Spring has sprung! Birds are singing; wildflowers have emerged; and wildlife is awake—including snakes.

Watch your step! Be careful while you’re walking around and admiring all of the beautiful wildflowers during this robust season. You don’t want to trample the delicate flowers, and you don’t want to step on a snake.

It may seem a bit early, but there have been many recent reports of snake sightings along the trails. One came from my friend and working colleague, Debra Ann Mumm, founder and CEO of CREATE Center for the Arts. She recently encountered a very angry red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) along the Randall Henderson Trail in Palm Desert. It seems the rattler was not willing to share the trail.

“It was right about dusk, and it was blocking the trail,” Mumm said. “There was a bit of a standoff, and I waited until the rattler slithered off into a nearby bush (rattling all the way) before I climbed down a little cliff, leaving plenty of distance to get around it.”

The ruber is a venomous pit viper and a species of special concern due to habitat loss. One amazing fact about the ruber: It develops more toxic venom as it matures: An adult’s venom can be six to 15 times more toxic than a juvenile’s venom.

Avid desert naturalist and local field biologist Paisley Ramstead has already been super-busy fielding rattlesnake calls in and around the Coachella Valley and the high desert. She said the majority of calls from the Coachella Valley have been for speckled rattlers, while Twentynine Palms is a haven for sidewinders. If you want to learn more, Ramstead will be teaching a course about the diverse snake species found throughout Joshua Tree National Park from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 5, at the Black Rock Nature Center, at 9800 Black Rock Canyon Road, in Yucca Valley. The class costs $35. There are a few spots open as of this writing. If you’re interested, register on Eventbrite.

In Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (just more than 60 miles and slightly more than a one-hour drive from the east side of the Coachella Valley), wildflowers have really been popping—and that’s not all. Someone recently captured a great shot of two sidewinder rattlesnakes nestled in a burrow surrounded by purple sand verbena and white dune evening primrose. There have been other reports of sightings as well, so be careful if you’re heading out that way.

West of the Coachella Valley at Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet (just more than 50 miles and a one-hour drive from the valley), where I was recently checking out the seasonal Wildflower Trail they have there, I saw a baby red racer (aka coachwhip, or otherwise known as Masticophis flagellum piceus). It was hanging out across the trail—possibly looking for food, as it was approaching the early evening hours. The nonvenomous snake was so well camouflaged into the soil that my hiking companion nearly stepped on it just as she spotted it. Shortly after the disruption, it quickly zipped along on its way. You can see a short video here.

Many snakes’ colors act as camouflage, making it difficult to see them. I have had several close encounters with rattlesnakes when I’ve heard the rattle before actually seeing them. If you hear the rattle before seeing the snake, you’re too close—but don’t run or panic! Simply freeze. (For me, this is not hard to do, as when the rattle goes off, it’s almost a paralyzing moment.) Carefully look around to locate the snake, and then back away slowly.

Snake awareness is crucial: Snakes are an important part of the ecosystem and should be respected from a safe distance. As temperatures rise, snakes become more active, and encounters are more likely. Be mindful that we are in their territory. I’ve noticed that when I’m looking for snakes, I rarely see them—when I’m not looking for them, I’m liable to have a snake encounter.

Here are some tips to stay safe:

  • Mind your surroundings. Watch where you walk or hike, especially in open areas. Snakes may be sunning themselves or seeking shelter. Stay on well-used trails, and check along edges of boulders; snakes often seek refuge in these areas.
  • Wear appropriate gear. Wear boots, if possible, to protect your feet and ankles from snake bites. Long pants can also provide an extra layer of protection.
  • Keep dogs on leashes. Curious dogs may encounter snakes and get bitten.
  • Learn to identify snakes. Familiarize yourself with common snake species in the area. Not all snakes are venomous, but it’s best to give them space regardless. Rattlesnakes can strike up to two-thirds of their body length, so as a general rule, stay at least 10 feet (or 10 steps) away.
  • Be prepared. If you encounter a snake, do not approach it; back away slowly. Don’t poke at a snake with a stick or try to move it out of your way; you should move around the snake. Never attempt to pick up or handle a snake. In case of a snakebite, stay still and calm to slow the spread of venom. Remove any tight clothing or jewelry near the bite site, and call 911 if you have cell reception. Seek medical attention immediately—do not attempt home remedies.

Earth Day is April 22

The arrival of spring means Earth Day is just around the corner. It is celebrated annually on April 22 and marks the birth of the modern environmental movement to promote environmental protection and climate action. It is a great opportunity to honor and appreciate our planet, take action, and contribute to a more sustainable future. This year’s theme is “Planet vs Plastics,” to raise awareness about plastic’s harm to humans and biodiversity.

How will you celebrate Earth Day? You may choose to be as plastic-free as possible for the day—or for life! Here are a few other ideas:

  • Take a walk. Whether you’re exploring local parks, hiking on nature trails, bird watching or visiting a garden, getting out in nature is a perfect way to celebrate Mother Earth.
  • Plant a tree. Be sure to choose a native tree species.
  • Scatter wildflower seeds. Support our local ecosystems.
  • Pick up litter.

Along with Earth Day, National Park Week is April 20-28 this year. All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission on Saturday, April 20, to kick off the celebration and to encourage everyone to enjoy the parks in person.

Let’s all get out in nature and celebrate—but remember to watch your step; stay aware of your surroundings; stay hydrated; and always bring more water than you will need!

Hiking With T: Watch Out for Snakes While Enjoying the Wildflowers—and Get Ready for Earth Day! is a story from Coachella Valley Independent, the Coachella Valley’s alternative news source.