Huge leap in the number of rattlesnake bites across California this spring

“California numbers are up 48 percent over last year.

Only halfway through the biting season, rattlesnakes may be closing in on a record.

Bites were up 48 percent in the spring. From April through June, 184 rattler bites were reported to the state Poison Control System. During that same period last year, there were 124.

"We have a significant increase in cases this year," said Stuart Heard, executive director for Poison Control. He suggests that weather and environment may be a factor.

A wet 2011 winter created good conditions for snake survival; this year's drier-than-average winter may have pushed them to travel farther for food and water...”

Contra Costa Times: Huge leap in rattlesnake bites across California this year

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Ah, something I forgot to mention from my Jack Main trip!

Wednesday (7/4), just past Beehive, I heard a rattler that had been hiding in the green brush right beside the trail. I jumped well away then looked back wondering if I could get a picture, but he was hard to see admist the brush.

No rattler surprises on the way back.