Warm Weather Brings Out The Rattlers

The drought and warm weather are seeing a wealth of rattlesnakes in the foothills.

So far 84 people have been treated for snakebites in California this year.

The drought is forcing rattlesnakes to travel farther from their natural habitats for food and water often into populated areas.

In Calaveras County, an average year will see 10-15 cases of humans bitten by rattlers.

Calaveras County Public Health Officer Dean Kelaita says no matter what you've seen in the movies, people shouldn't try to suck out the poison or apply a tourniquet, but go to the nearest hospital.

"Antivenom is the most effective way of neutralizing the harmful effects of the rattlesnake bite."

Pets like dogs and cats are even more likely to be victims.

Calaveras Veterinarian Dr. Darrell Black sees about 50 dogs bitten by snakes each year.

Most he says survive without antivenom which can be too expensive for some owners.

"The problem with the antivenom is that it is extremely expensive, one vial of antivenom runs anywhere from $600-800 for the client."

Some dogs could require 4 or more vials...the smaller the dog, the more vials it requires.