Rattlesnakes are not naturally aggressive, and will usually only strike a human if they feel threatened. “I learned to have respect for rattlesnakes and to give them their space,” says Mike Meissbach, owner of Humane Rattlesnake Removal Service. “Any snakes that we capture are then released to remote areas so that they can continue to provide a beneficial service to humans – they eat rodents and insects.”

Trying to kill a snake may put people in more danger than calling Mike to safely remove it. Some people who encounter a rattlesnake may try to cut the head off. But a rattlesnake's venom is contained in its head, and still may be venomous after it is dead. So you still want to think twice before handling a dead rattlesnake. Mike even advises against burying a rattlesnake in a place that may later be dug up by children or animals.

If a rattlesnake bite does occur it is important to stay calm. Rattlesnake bites are rarely serious when promptly treated by medical personnel. If you are more than 30 minutes away from a doctor, keep the bite elevated. For more first aid information visit the California Poison Control

You can attempt to keep rattlesnakes out of your yard by installing a snake proof fence, but these can be difficult to maintain and are expensive. It is important to educate your children about rattlesnakes since children are naturally curious. Advise them if they see a snake to quickly get away from the snake and call for an adult.

There are non-poisonous snakes that look very similar to rattlesnakes. The most common case of mistaken identity belongs to the gopher snake, (pictured on the left), which can even vibrate its tail – appearing to be rattling. The California Department of Fish & Game offers a detailed description of the rattlesnake below.

A rattlesnake (pictured on the right), is a heavy-bodied, blunt-tailed snake with one or more rattles on the tail. It has a triangular-shaped head, much broader at the back than at the front, and a distinct “neck” region. The rattlesnake also has openings between the nostrils and eyes, which is a heat-sensing pit. The eyes are hooded with elliptical pupils. Additional identifying characteristics include a series of dark and light bands near the tail, just before the rattles, which are different from the markings on the rest of the body. Also note that rattles may not always be present, as they are often lost through breakage and are not always developed on the young.

For the safe, humane removal of rattlesnakes, please call Mike at Humane Rattlesnake Removal Service.

Mike Meissbach: (530) 295-5539 Cell: (530) 391-1477