Southern California's extended heat wave coincided with rattlesnake sightings in unexpected places, catching people off guard.
Here's what to know
According to KABC, one rattlesnake was spotted moving across the sand at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach.
Another was seen on a pathway near an apartment complex in Irvine. Ele Tavakoli encountered the Irvine snake and described what happened.
"The snake actually was looking at us, and I felt like if I step forward it would have come at me or the other people on the pathway," Tavakoli recalled.
KABC also quoted Ryan Jessup of Ryan's Rattlesnake Rescue, who has spent 15 years catching rattlesnakes and releasing them back into the wild.
He indicated that a sighting like the one in Irvine was not especially rare.
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"I mean, a snake that's found in the middle of Irvine like that, it's not uncommon," Jessup remarked.
Jessup explained that the spike in sightings may be related to extreme heat, with snakes seeking cooler areas and shade rather than extra warmth.
More background
Hot weather can change animal behavior in ways that make encounters with people more likely.
"They're out hiding in the shade in the middle of the heat, so later on in the afternoons or early mornings is when they're most active," Jessup noted.
He then explained some typical rattlesnake behavior for locals who might encounter one.
"Usually when you see a snake on the crawl, it's crawling from a position where … the sun may have just reached them, their shade ran out," Jessup said. "They're going from spot to spot finding more shade."
What can be done?
Jessup emphasized that the key is to not panic and to keep away from the snake.
If anyone comes across an unknown snake, he advised backing up about two large steps to move out of striking range.
The rattling is a defensive response, Jessup added. If someone is bitten, he told KABC, they should call 911 immediately.
"That rattling is just fear," Jessup told the outlet. "They're letting you know, hey, I'm right here, don't step on me. The only time they're going to bite is when they feel that they can't get away."
Where can I learn more?
Wildlife can show up in surprising places when extreme heat, habitat pressure, or human activity leaves animals with fewer places to go.
• In one Arizona town, authorities issued a warning after a fifth rattlesnake attack sent a man to the hospital.
• In New York, a large timber rattlesnake blocked a family's exit near their home.
• In Angeles National Forest, a bear searching for food at a campsite put visitors on alert.
It is advised to keep your distance, stay calm, and stay alert when wildlife appears unexpectedly.
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