MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Camp Pendleton is home to 20 different species of snakes, with three of those being venomous rattlesnakes.
The sudden increase of rattlesnake sighting near base housing during the summer months is due to small animals such as mice, rats, birds, frogs and reptiles seeking cool refuge and easily accessible food, said Jim Asmus, deputy chief, Game Warden’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Snakes follow the easy prey and base residents are finding themselves between the predator’s crosshairs.
With snake encounters on base so common, it is important to be able to distinguish different types of snakes and how to prevent conflicts.
“A lot of the calls we receive to pick up snakes are of a non-lethal species,” said Asmus.
Five varieties of rattlesnakes exist in California but only three are found on base; the California Red Diamondback, the Southern Pacific Back and the Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake.
Each can be identified by their heart-shaped head and blunt tails. Their rattles are composed of a fingernail-like material that can be worn or broken off by accident. Therefore, rattles are not necessarily found on every rattlesnake.
Snakes can be found almost anywhere. During the heat of the day they usually stay in the shade of rocks and brush-piles. The reptile will only be aggressive towards things they can eat or if they feel threatened.
“Rattlesnakes would much rather avoid us if they can,” said Asmus. “Base residents should do the same.”
In order to keep rattlesnakes from hunting outside your front door, base residents should:
Keep a clean house and well maintained yard. Keep all pet food indoors, keep garage and house doors closed Seal up exterior holes around your home. If a mouse can fit in it, so can a snake.
If someone did run into a rattlesnake, they should stand quietly and give it a chance to move away, said Asmus. If you move, do so slowly and away from the snake.
Rattlesnakes strike at warm, moving objects. If they become excited, scared or forced to defend themselves, they strike blindly at anything nearby.
“Wildlife and residents share the same land so the chance of an encounter is inevitable,” said Amus. “We must learn to live together and continue to share this very distinctive environment.”
For more information about wildlife or to report a rattlesnake sighting in or near your residence contact the base Game Warden’s Office at 760- 763-6681.