Santa Clara County Officials Remind Public To Watch Out For Rattlesnakes

SANTA CLARA (CBS SF) -- Santa Clara County fire and emergency officials are reminding the public to watch where they walk this spring and summer to avoid venomous snakebites.

Emergency officials recommend using caution during outdoor activities such as running and hiking, and keeping an eye out for rattlesnakes while enjoying the county's hills and open spaces.

The county has offered the following advice:

Wear long pants and heavy boots that come up about four inches above the ankle.

Watch where you step, particularly in high brush areas and while stepping over logs and fallen trees.

Keep dogs and other pets on a leash when on a trail.

If bitten by a snake, call 911, avoid movement in the area that was bitten, keep the area below heart level, take note of the time of the bite, and do not attempt to cut the bite or apply a cold pack or tourniquet.

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