By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. March 19, 2026)
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — A historic March heatwave gripping El Dorado County is driving a sharp increase in rattlesnake activity, prompting warnings from wildlife officials and public safety agencies across Northern California.
Unseasonably high temperatures — climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s in nearby Shingle Springs and surrounding foothill communities — are accelerating the seasonal emergence of rattlesnakes from winter brumation. Typically dormant until later in spring, the reptiles are now appearing weeks ahead of schedule.
“This kind of heat essentially flips the biological switch early,” wildlife experts have said in regional advisories. “We’re seeing snakes active now when most people wouldn’t expect them.”
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory through Friday, March 20, with inland areas running 20 to 30 degrees above seasonal norms. The surge in warmth is not only waking snakes earlier but also increasing human exposure, as residents take advantage of spring-like conditions for hiking, yard work, and outdoor recreation.
Research shows a measurable connection between heat and snakebite incidents. Studies indicate that for every 1-degree Celsius increase in daily maximum temperature, the likelihood of a snakebite-related emergency room visit rises by approximately 6 percent. That correlation becomes more significant during sudden heat spikes such as the current event.
Wildlife removal services across Northern California report a noticeable uptick in calls, with snakes seeking cooler, shaded environments near homes — including porches, garages, woodpiles, and garden beds. Officials also warn that juvenile rattlesnakes are beginning to appear, posing an additional hazard.
“Baby rattlesnakes can be particularly dangerous because they may not regulate venom delivery the way adults do,” according to regional safety guidance circulated this week.
As daytime temperatures climb, rattlesnakes may also shift their activity patterns to cooler hours — dawn, dusk, or nighttime — making them harder to detect and increasing the risk of accidental encounters.
Safety Guidance for Residents
Authorities urge residents and visitors to take precautions:
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On trails: Stay centered on marked paths and avoid tall grass or dense brush.
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Around homes: Keep lawns trimmed and inspect shaded or covered areas before reaching in.
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With pets: Keep dogs leashed and away from thick vegetation.
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If bitten: Call 911 immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, ice, or attempt to remove venom. Keep the affected limb at or below heart level and remain calm.
Local officials emphasize awareness as the primary defense.
“Assume snakes are active right now,” one advisory states. “Situational awareness can prevent most encounters from becoming emergencies.”
With warm conditions expected to persist through the week, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant as the region navigates an unusually early start to rattlesnake season.
