State officials say all of California, from the marshlands to the mountains, is snake country…and not just the rural areas.

"I had a little baby rattlesnake on my front porch in Fair Oaks, which I thought was a stick, and stepped right over it."

Carol Singleton is with the state Department of Fish and Game.

"They're on the American River Bike Trails, they're basically everywhere. You always have to keep an eye out for them."

Snakes are coldblooded and like to bask in the sun usually starting in late April.

Rattlesnakes are not typically aggressive but they will strike when threatened.

Tips for avoiding snake bites include: wearing hiking boots; sticking to well-used hiking trails; never walking in tall grass where snakes may be hiding; and checking out stumps or logs before sitting down.  

If you do get bit, remove watches and rings that would constrict swelling, wash the bite area with soap and water if you can and go quickly to the nearest medical facility.