Night photography in JTNP - Rattlesnake safety tips (Late May)

The #1 way to be bitten by a snake is to be a male age 18-25 and to pick up the snake. Trust me the snakes let you know when you are to close and they are upset.

SoCal resident here. The place I regularly hike (Chino Hills State Park) has rattlesnakes. I have heard them many times, but only seen them twice in the park in the last 10 years.

The only time I have seen them is in the late afternoon about an hour before the sun goes down. They like to sunbathe on the trails to make it through the night. Then they come out in the morning sun to warm up for the day.

One thing I have learned is that snakes in general are sensitive to ground vibrations. If you think you are about to go into an area where there are snakes, stomp your feet a few times. It’s almost like you are alerting the snakes of your presence.

The only time I had to actually stop and wait for a snake was when I had no options to go around. Maintaining a distance and stomping for a few seconds alerted the rattlesnake and it slowly started slinking off. It wanted as much to do with me as I did with it.

I’ve learned that most animals other than pets want nothing to do with us humans. They will avoid you if they have an out. Rattlesnakes are no different. They tend to be overlooked because they blend in so well that when they do strike it’s because they feel threatened and have no way to escape. Leave them room and they will avoid you.

My advice as a photographer and biologist with professional experience with rattlesnakes: wear sturdy leather boots, watch where you put your hands and feet if you are sitting or climbing on rocks or other things that an animal could hide under, pay attention to your surroundings, and use a good flashlight at night to watch where you’re walking. You could also wear snake gaiters to cover your legs up to the knee if that sets your mind at ease. You’ll most often observe rattlesnakes on the road at night soaking up residual heat from the asphalt. Venom evolved for prey and not for defense, so the last thing a rattlesnake wants to do is bite you and waste energy producing venom they need for food. However, if you do encounter a snake, they may perform defensive behaviors to scare you away without having to use their venom, such as rattling, coiling, and even bluff strikes. Just give them some space and make sure they don’t feel cornered and they have an open line of retreat away from you.

Rattlesnakes are not inherently aggressive towards people and they mostly want to be left alone. They have complex social interactions with each other, give live birth, and are native wildlife that are important to the food web. They are very cool animals and I hope you get the chance to observe some from a safe distance away! Enjoy your trip and get some great pics!

I’ve been to JTNP countless times over the last 30 years. Hiking off trails, into the wild, at night with not even a flashlight. Just using the moon as light source.

I’ve only ever encountered two rattlesnakes, both during the day, one on the road and one on a trail.

Of course this isn’t to say there’s no need to be aware and watch where your feet are going, just that out of 100s of trips out there, it’s hardly an issue.

All the other commenters covered everything important. I’d also add to avoid sticking your hands or feet inside any cracks or under rocks. That’s where they like to hang out.

Generally, they’ll avoid you and/or let you know they’re there. I’ve been to JT tons of times, and I mountain bike in socal where there are lots of rattlesnakes, but I’ve only ever encountered two in my whole life.

Side story: I have a friend who does ultra marathons and so for training he does trail running through all the hiking trails around here. It’s only when he’s in the most remote areas that he’ll find rattlesnakes. He has a little collapsable snake hook that he carries with him so he can safety move the snakes out of harms way off to the side of the trail. He’s a cool dude.

It is rattlesnake season right now. Be careful if you have a dog with you. I don’t personally know anyone who’s been bit, but I know a few dogs that have, and they don’t recover well. They are hard to see even when you’re right over them, but you can hear them for sure. And they’re BIG

Take a blacklight, scorpions are more likely to creep up on you than snakes

It’s in the 60’s at night at the lowest level of the park so I suspect they will be holed up for the night at those temperatures. I agree that stomping and making your presence known as well as keeping your ears open, is the best way to avoid a problem. Enjoy the park!!

The rattlesnakes should be safe as long as you don't hurt them.

I have done night photography there in May. I didn’t have any issues, be aware. Follow the basic rules of life… don’t be a dumbass and you should be fine. Good luck and please post your photos! Astrophotography??