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Rattlesnakes in L.A.: What You Need to Know
What should you do if you encounter a rattlesnake, the LA Zoo and the Los Angeles Fire Department are sharing information about rattlesnakes.

While rattlesnakes are most active in the spring and summer, they are present year-round in Southern California because they are native to the Los Angeles area. When snakes have access to food, water, and shelter, they can settle nearby. To discourage them, keep garbage in secure containers to avoid attracting rodents, which in turn attract snakes. Also, seal any openings, as snakes can fit through holes as small as a quarter.

A rattlesnake’s signature rattle may not always be heard. They often stay quiet if they don’t feel detected and typically strike only when threatened. When outdoors, keep children within arm’s reach and dogs on a short leash. If you are bitten, call 911 immediately and treat it as a medical emergency.

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