Hikers beware: Rattlesnakes lurking in trailside shadows

If you're hiking at Charmlee Wilderness Park in the Santa Monicas this week and find a pair of brown New Balance trail shoes, they're mine. I leaped from them Friday afternoon the moment  the viper in the photograph coiled and rattled like a maraca when I passed too closely.

I could easily have been bitten. I violated many of the Department of Fish and Game's rules against hiking during rattlesnake season: I was alone without cellphone service, and was not wearing ankle-high boots or long pants.

But I discovered that I possess springlike reflexes; sideways broad-jumping is a specialty.

The Southern Pacific rattlesnake had been resting at the shadowy base of a small tree on the northern trail above the nature center, after the trail loops and begins to descend. It was almost imperceptible but the camera's flash shed enough light to capture an image.

It's not a very good photo but it's proof that rattlesnake season has arrived. Please watch your step.

-- Pete Thomas

Photos: (top) Rattlesnake coils in trailside shadow at Charmlee Wilderness Park. Credit: Pete Thomas / Los Angeles Times

(bottom) A young California towhee surveys its surroundings. Credit: Pete Thomas / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Jen]

We saw one last week in Oro Valley, AZ. It came out of no where. Fortunately it wasn't very interested in us, we kept our distance and it slithered off.

[JulieD]

A few years ago I was riding my horse on the main trails of Will Rogers State Park, and met up with a huge Mojave Green rattler. My horse didn't care at all, so we stood and watched as the snake tried to make its way (practically vertically) up a 2 1/2 foot or so embankment, about 8 - 10 feet from us.

My cousin was bitten once by a rattler in Colorado - it's no picnic. Be wise.

[SE]

I had a similar experiencing hiking on a trail in the brush covered hills above Whittier. I heard the noise of the rattle, but it took me a few seconds to realize what I was hearing. When I looked down, the rattler was coiled about 4 feet away from me.

One of the scariest moments of my life. The bummer is that I'm now reluctant to go hiking again. Irrational, but hard to overcome...

[gustrainer]

I saw 4 rattlelers at Sullivan Canyon 10 days ago, and one more at the top of Westridge in Bretwood...PLEASE DO NOT LET YOUR DOGS WANDER LOOSE INTO THE BRUSH, KEEP THEM ON YOUR LEASH ! it will save you a headache and vet bills.