A San Diego rattlesnake removal specialist says an early surge in rattlesnake activity across California is already keeping him busy, as the state has recorded multiple snakebite deaths this year, according to Patch.

Alex Trejo, owner of San Diego-based So-Cal Rattlesnake Removal, told Patch that warm weather has pushed snakes to move earlier than usual. Patch reported three California rattlesnake-related deaths this year: a 78-year-old woman in Redwood Valley, a 46-year-old woman bitten in Thousand Oaks and a 25-year-old man bitten while mountain biking in Irvine.

Trejo told Patch that visibility is the key difference between a close call and a bite. He advised people not to put hands or feet into areas with limited visibility, including dense vegetation, and said hikers should stay toward the middle of trails and away from thick brush.

For Santee residents, the reminder is timely as warmer weather brings more time in yards, parks and trail areas across East County. If a rattlesnake is spotted on a property, Trejo told Patch residents should use a qualified, licensed and insured professional rather than trying to handle the snake themselves.

Source: Patch — https://patch.com/california/san-diego/snakebite-deaths-spike-ca-wrangler-mission-save-people-poisonous-snakes