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A snake handler has warned home owners of rattlesnakes seeking water during their mating season, after two individuals were removed from a property in California.
So-Cal Rattlesnake Removal is a snake removal business based in southern California. On Monday, the group posted a video on its Facebook page showing how two rattlesnakes were removed from some foliage outside of a property.
"Two rattlesnakes mating!" The group wrote in a video caption. "First time being called out for something like this! What an extraordinary sight to see!"
Rattlesnakes are an iconic North American species known for their ability to make a characteristic rattling sound with the tip of their tail—a sound used to warn off potential aggressors.
They are the largest venomous snake in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and live in habitats including mountains, prairies, deserts and beaches.
A bite from a rattlesnake can cause painful swelling, bruising, the destruction of tissue, bleeding problems and potentially death in rare cases, the California Poison Control System health service states.
The rattlesnake removal clip posted on Monday shows how a snake handler uses a special tool to grab hold of the entangled snakes and pull them out from under a bush that appears to be located right next to someone's home.
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Almost immediately the snakes begin making their characteristic rattling sound as the handler separates them, placing them into a container so they can be removed.
"Right now is mating season, please be extra cautious and remove all drinkable water!," the company says in the video caption. "These snakes are very thirsty! Having open water access will increase your chances of a visit from one of these buzzbutt [sic]."
CDC recommendations for workers to avoid snake bites include not touching any snake, avoiding climbing on rocks or piles of wood where a snake may be hiding, avoiding tall grass and piles of leaves, and wearing boots and long pants when working outdoors.
The thirsty rattlesnake warning comes as California is experiencing widespread drought conditions and hot weather. As of August 30, the U.S. Drought Monitor showed that 40.2 percent of the state was experiencing "extreme drought," in which water is inadequate for agriculture, wildlife and urban needs. Reservoirs are also extremely low.
Meanwhile, 16.6 percent of the state is experiencing "exceptional drought," in which wildlife death is expected to be widespread and the survival of native plants and animals is low.
This has been California's driest year over the past 128 years. Scientists say drought is linked to climate change, which is being accelerated by human activity.
