Due to the warmer weather, the snake population in Pleasanton is increasing and snakes are roaming around Pleasanton trails.

“I used to like going to the ridge to go hiking especially during the quarantine when there was nothing else to do but during the spring to summer time when it’s hot I have seen way too many snakes up there and it got to the point where I almost don’t go,” said Andrew Snider (‘25).

Although getting bit by a snake while hiking is extremely rare, it still happens and everyone should be prepared for a bite. 

“Snake bites can be very scary but you have to stay calm. If you are bitten by a rattle snake and you are not with anyone, walk slowly to a safe area to dial 911. If it’s not a rattle snake that you’re bitten by, Go home and wash the wound with soap and water and go to a doctor. Making sure you know what snake you see is very important, looking somewhere online before you go hiking for types of snakes could be extremely important,” said Amy Atkinson, a former park ranger.

Pleasanton has lots of beautiful places to hike but unfortunately the warm weather brings lots of snakes and a lot of Pleasanton residents are worried.

“ [(So this is my first spring in Pleasanton, where are some good areas to hike]) Wherever you go, just watch out for the rattle snakes, they seem to be prevalent right now,” said Joyce McCaffery on the Nextdoor app.

The majority of people are unsure as to which snake is which , luckily rattle snakes are pretty easy to spot, just look for the rattle on the tail.

“At this time of year rattlers can be dark green and black, hard to spot in the grassy areas. Also the little ones are just as dangerous as the big ones.” said Jim Jenson on the Nextdoor app.

If you plan on going hiking during the summer, don’t be afraid of snakes as more than 75 million people that go hiking every year don’t get bit on a trail.

“I plan on going hiking more during spring break and over summer but I definitely will need to be more careful about snakes and snake safety,” said Snider.