The purpose of this article is to not only highlight potentially dangerous animals in California, but also hopefully help you learn that many of the animals you might fear have an incredibly low chance of ever harming you. It may also open your eyes on how to avoid dangerous animal encounters as well as what to do should you ever face potential danger.

It is important to remember that the most dangerous animal in all of California is the human. There were over 2,000 murders in California last year, which accounts for many times more deaths than any of these “dangerous animals” are responsible for.

13 Dangerous Animals in California

Mountain Lions

Mountain lion, cougar, puma, panther, and even catamount. Whatever you call it, these are one of California’s primary apex predators and the largest feline species in North America. We tend to call them mountain lion’s in my neck of the woods, where sightings are relatively common.

I would imagine most people who live near the wilds of California have a healthy fear of mountain lions. After all, they are large (about 100-200 lbs), have strong teeth and long claws, and can run up to 50mph! But, mountain lions are known for their solitary and elusive nature and rarely come in contact with humans.

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, there have been 21 confirmed mountain lion attacks in California between 1986 and 2022. That is less than one per year. Only three have been fatal. This means your odds of being killed by a mountain lion are about one in a billion.

About half of the people attacked have been children ages 10 and under. This is why it is important to keep young children within arm’s reach when hiking in mountian lion habitat! Mountain lions may see young children as possible prey. My husband mountain bikes regularly in a park where mountain lions are regularly spotted it is remarkable how many people he sees leaving their young children unattended!

So, what do you do if you encounter a mountain lion? Odds are, mountain lions will see you but you will never see them. And if you do see them, it will be so quick that you won’t have time to react like my neighbor who was mountain biking in Whiting Ranch Regional Park when I cougar quickly trotted across the trail.

According to the National Park Service you should do the following if you encounter a mountain lion:

• Stay calm while facing the lion and standing tall. 
• Do not run from a lion. If you run you will trigger the lion’s prey instinct. Instead, keep eye contact and back away slowly. Avoid crouching or bending over.
• Do all you can to appear intimidating. This includes yelling in a loud, deep voice for the mountain lion to go away, clapping your hands loudly, and throwing sticks and rocks at the lion if it attempts to approach you.

If you do see a mountain lion, you should report it. It helps park rangers keep track of the animals’ locations and keep everyone safe, including the lions.

Did you know? Mountain lions are listed as a “specially protected species” under California law. They are also protected under the California Endangered Species Act. Despite these protections, they face various threats such as habitat loss, traffic accidents, and lack of genetic diversity due to a lack of wildlife corridors in more urban areas.

The Liberty Canyon Wildife Crossing in Agoura Hills is currently being built over 10 lanes of US-101 and expected to be completed in 2025. Once completed, it will be a critical wildlife corridor habitat linkage between the Santa Susana Mountains, the Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains.”

Great White Sharks

California’s coastline is known for its population of great white sharks. While shark attacks are rare, it’s important to be mindful when swimming or engaging in water activities in known shark habitats.

Great white sharks are the ocean’s version of an apex predator. Adults are typically 12 to 20 feet long, weigh 1500- 2400 lbs, and swim up to 35mph. Plus, they have hundreds of sharp, triangular teeth! They are ambush-style hunters that eat marine mammals and fish.

Great white sharks prefer nearshore waters, including coastal areas and offshore islands like California’s Channel Islands. They are known to frequent areas where their main prey, such as seals and sea lions, are abundant.

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, “Since 1950, there have been 209 shark incidents in California involving all species of sharks, at least 185 of which involved white sharks. Of those, 15 were fatal and all of the fatalities involved white sharks.”

Of California’s 19 coastal counties, San Diego County currently holds the record for the most shark incidents since the 1950’s at 24. Still, you shouldn’t be afraid to swim in the ocean. According to a Stanford study, you have 1-in-17 million chance of being attacked by a shark in California. You are more than 1,800 times more likely to drown.

Recent drone studies done by Cal State Long Beach’s Shark Lab have discovered that many beaches off the coast of Southern California have become white shark nurseries in recent years as the water warms. Most of the sharks tend to be 50-100 yards offshore and swimming alongside humans regularly with no issues whatsoever.

Del Mar and Carpenteria seem to be popular juvenile white shark spots but most people hanging out past the breakwater (mainly surfers and paddleboarders) have no idea there is a shark swimming near them! The great news is that even with this increase in shark activity, there hasn’t been an increas in shark attacks.

Stingrays

Stingrays are found in shallow coastal waters in California. They are not aggressive towards humans, but they can be dangerous if they are stepped on since they have venomous spines which can cause severe pain.

Stingrays are primarily bottom-feeders, and their diet mainly consists of small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates. They use their flat, disc-shaped bodies to move along the seafloor while searching for prey. The primary stringray found in California in the round stingray.

In California, there is a seasonal pattern of stingray activity, commonly referred to as “stingray season.” This usually occurs during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall. During this time of year, locals know to do the “stingray shuffle” when entering the water. This involves shuffling your feet along the sand as you enter the water, which creates vibrations that can alert nearby stingrays and give them a chance to move away.

Chris Lowe, the director of the Shark Lab at Cal State University, Long Beach has deemed Southern California the “stingray capital of the world”. There are thousands of sting ray injuries in Southern California each year.

Did you know? It is estimated that over 30,000 stingrays live in Seal Beach where the San Gabriel River meets the sea? It is no surprise that Seal Beach lifeguards treat more than 500 stingray-related injuries each year.

If you get stung by a ray, head to the nearest lifeguard station, as they are well prepared. They will want to remove the barb if a piece is in you and submerse your wound in hot (but not scalding water). This is the best way to neurtralize the sting- not urine as Monica Gellar and Joey Tribbiani on Friends might have led you to believe. The heat breaks up the toxins in the ray’s barb.

The venom of the round stingray is not lethal to humans, but it can cause intense pain, swelling, and other symptoms. The sting may also introduce bacteria into the wound, leading to infection if not properly cleaned and cared for. The risk of infection is the primary danger of a sting.

Rattlesnakes

There are several different types of rattlesnakes that call California home. 

The Western Rattlesnake is the most widepspread and there are four distinct subspecies- The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, Northern Mojave Rattlesnake, Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake, and the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. California is also home to the Western Diamondback, Red Diamondback, Sidewinders, and Panamint Rattlesnake.

Read our article all about these venomous snakes in California and discover where they live and how to identify them.

Of all of these species, the Northern Mojave Rattlesnake is the most venomous. Its bite can be fatal if not treated promptly. However, most bites are not fatal, and with proper medical care, the vast majority of people bitten by this snake make a full recovery.

Only about 800 people receive a venomous snake bite in California per year. That”s just 2.5 bites per 100,000 people! 

And fortunately, only one or two rattlesnake bites out of the 8,000 per year across the entire country result in death. 

Most snake bites occur between April and October, aka: snake season. It should come as no surprise that a large percentage of those who get bit by rattlesnakes are young males who are purposely bothering the snakes (and often intoxicated). 

Of course, there are still plenty of people who accidentally get bit by unintentionally stepping on a snake. This is usually a result of walking through thick grass somewhere off trail or not paying attention to wear you are going. Thankfully, a rattlesnake bite may hurt, but it isn’t a reason to panic.

If you get bit by a rattlesnake: 

• Remain calm. You don’t want to elevate your heart rate much so avoid activities like running. 
• Gently wash the area with soap and water if possible. Apply a cold, wet cloth over the bite.
• Call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room
• Keep the bite site elevated above your heart on your way to the emergency room.

DO NOT Do These Things If You Are Bit By a Rattlesnake

There are many myths surrounding rattlesnake bites. Avoid the following:

• Do not apply a tourniquet
• Do not cut the wound with a knife to “let the poison out”
• Do not try to suck out the venom
• Do not pack the wounded area in ice

If your pet gets bit by a rattlesnake, take them to the nearest emergency vet. Many veterinarians have anti-venom on hand, especially in rattlesnake prone areas.

As an avid hiker, I have encountered rattlesnakes many times and every single time, the snake had no interest in getting involved with a human. In nearly every time, the snake gave me plenty of warning with its rattle. 

Scorpions

There are several species of scorpions in California, and many of them are venomous. These arachnids are most active at night and while they are most commonly found in deserts, they can be spotted in forests and even some urban areas.

While scorpion stings can be very painful, there hasn’t been a death from a scorpion bite in the United States since the 1940s.

The most common scorpion species in California is the aptly-named California common scorpion. This species is found in various habitats, including deserts, woodlands, and urban areas. While their stings can be painful, they are not typically life-threatening to healthy adults.

The Arizona Bark Scorpion is found in the southern desert regions of California, and is one of the most venomous scorpion species in North America. A sting from this critter is painful, and while healthy adults usually recover without major complications, children, the elderly, and individuals with allergies may experience more severe reactions.

Bark scorpions are typically only three inches long and with a very thin tail. They are climbers and attracted to moisture around homes. They only need a 1/16 inch crack to enter a building and can climb stucco and enter through attics. If you live in bark scorpion territory, make sure you house is well sealed.

The Striped Tail Scorpion is another scorpioon found in California. It is the one you are most likely to find in shoes or sleeping bags while outdoors since they are a burrowing species Luckily, though the sting is painful, it isn’t life-threatening.

If you do happen to get stung by a scorpion:

• Call your doctor ASAP. Most scorpion stings don’t need medical treatment, but it is important to consult with a medical professional to know what symptoms to look for which might indicate a need to a hospital visit.
• While waiting to medical treatment, clean the area around the sting with soap and water, taking care to keep the area around the sting still if possible to reduce the spread of the venom.
• Apply an ice pack or cold compress.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• The skin broken by theosting could get infected with tetanus bacteria so it is important to make sure your tetanus shot is up to date.

Deer

When you think about dangerous animals in California, you probably don’t think about deer, but you should! They are actually one of the most dangerous animals in the state because they cause over 20,000 car collisions per year!

And while that sounds like a lot, take comfort in the fact that California is the 49th most likely state to for a driver to be involved in a deer collision; only Hawaii ranks lower.

According to State Farm, there are 1.33 million deer-vehicle collisions in the US per year. The odds of hitting a deer with a car in the country as a whole are 1 in 116, but the odds in California are only 1 in 1,125.

It should be no surprise that you are most likely to hit a deer when they are most active- dusk and dawn. If you are driving in an area with a heavy deer population, be extra aware when driving during those times.

Black Bears

Black bears can be found in many parts of California, especially forested areas. They generally do avoid human contact but they have been known to cruise neighborhoods in search of food, especially on trash day.

Black bear encounters are relatively common in California, especially in areas where human development encroaches on their natural habitat. These areas include the foothills of LA County and the Lake Tahoe region. These encounters are usually not aggressive, and black bears will often flee when they detect human presence. However, they can become habituated to human food sources, leading to conflicts and potentially dangerous situations.

Black bears are the only bears that live in California. There used to be a healthy grizzly bear population in California. As a matter of fact, there were 10,000 grizzly bears in the state before the Gold Rush, enough to put the grizzly bear on the state flag. Unfortunately they were hunted to extinction in the 1920s.

Today, there are 30-40,000 black bears in California. Despite their name, they can have fur color that ranges from black to various shades of brown. Adult male black bears can weigh between 200 to 600 pounds, while adult females generally weigh less, ranging from 150 to 400 pounds.

Fun fact- black bears are not native to Southern California (though grizzly bears were). All of the black bears in the Southern California region today are descendants of 27 bears captured in Yosemite National Park and release in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains in the 1930s!

While their diet consists of berries, nuts, fruits, insects, small mammals, and occasionally scavenged carcasses, they are also known to raid trash cans or campsites in search of food, which can lead to conflicts with humans. Thankfully, according to the World Animal Foundation, there has not been a fatal wild bear attack in the Golden State since 1986.

In June 2022, a wild black bear was put down after it clawed a woman on the face while trying to escape her home in North Lake Tahoe, but this is rare. There are typically less than five bear attacks in the state per decade.

What to do if you encounter a black bear:

• Do not run! This will trigger the bear’s prey drive.
• Keep a safe distance and begin to back away slowly.
• Make yourself look bigger by waving your arms and standing tall.
• Make noise by yelling “Go Away Bear” and clapping your hands. Do not make eye contact.

You can avoid bear encounters by making noise on a trail that is in bear country. Allow them to hear you coming so they can move out of the way.

If you are camping in an area with bears, make sure to practice safe food storage techniques (don’t leave food in your car unless you want it broken into by a furry visitor) and cleaning up thoroughly after a meal. Bear lockers are your friend- use them.

Widow Spiders

There are two types of widow spiders that call California home, the Western Black Widow and the Brown Widow. The Western Black Widow is the more venomous of the two. Although their bites are rarely fatal, they can cause severe pain and discomfort.

The Western Black Widow is found almost everywhere in California. They are most often found in dark corners of garages and sheds or in pipes and drains. The female black widow has a distinctive black body with a red hourglass-shaped marking on its underside. Female black widows are usually about 1.5 inches long and far more likely to give you a venomous bite.

Young children and older adults are the most susceptible to these spider bites. Bites can cause chest pain, stomach cramping and nausea, swelling of the eyelids, and even burning at the bottom of the feet! Other symptoms include fever, chills, shock, and very high blood pressure.

If you get bit by a black widow spider:

• Call your doctor or poison control. If you exhibit severe symptoms they may want to give you anti venom or anti-spasm pain meds.
• Try to remain calm to slow the spread of toxins through your body
• Ice the wound. You will notice two small puncture wounds at the site of the bite.
• If you can find the spider, take a picture to identify it for medical professionals.

The Brown Widow is another venomous spider found in California. It is similar in appearance to the black widow but has brown coloration with orange or yellow markings. While its bite is generally less potent than that of the black widow, it can still cause symptoms such as localized pain, muscle stiffness, and nausea.

While Brown Widow spiders are venomous, their bites are generally considered to be less harmful to humans than those of other widow spiders like the black widow. Severe reactions are rare.

Desert Recluse Spider

The Desert Recluse is a less common but potentially dangerous spider found in desert regions of California. It is found mostly in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts as well as the foothills of the lower San Joaquin Valley.

It is brown in color and has a violin-shaped marking on its back. The violin shape is less distinct in desert recluse spiders compared to the brown recluse. Bites from desert recluse spiders are not as bad as the dreaded brown recluse (which is not in California), but they can cause tissue damage in some cases.  

Symptoms of a desert recluse spider bite include pain, swelling, redness, and a characteristic blister at the bite site. In some cases, the tissue around the bite can become necrotic (dead), leading to an ulcer. Severe reactions are relatively rare.

If you get bit by a desert recluse spider, RICE is recommended- rest, ice, compression and elevation. You should also try to get a picture of the spider of possible because many times people think they were bite by a recluse spider when they were not.

If you start to exhibit severe symptoms, definitely call a medical professional. You should also try to get a picture of the spider if possible because many times people think they were bite by a recluse spider when they were not.

Coyote

Coyotes are found throughout California, from the desert to the mountains, and even urban areas. They are widespread due to their incredible adaptability. The California Department of Fish and Game estimates 250,000 to 750,000 coyotes live in the state.

Coyotes have been in the news more lately because humans have been continuing to encroach on their wild territory and coyotes have become more and more present in urban areas where they hadn’t been previously spotted. While they are generally shy and avoid humans, they have been known to attack pets and small children. They are most aggressive May through September when they are caring for their pups.

Coyotes are primarily nocturnal and most active at dawn and dusk, but they can also be active during the day. They are opportunistic omnivores, which means they eat a varied diet including small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and even carrion. They will also happily take advantage of human food sources.

We see coyotes on a regular basis in our neighborhood and I know of zero cases of them attacking humans. However, outdoor cats do not last long in my neck of the woods and small dogs should never be left unattended in a backyard because coyotes can hop a fence with ease and see your little pups as a tasy meal. Never leave pet food outside because this will only attract coyotes.

While coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare, they can occur, especially when coyotes have become accustomed to people and lose their natural fear. There are typically about 10 coyote attacks in California each year, and this number is rising.

If you have a coyote problem in your neighborhood you can use hazing techniques to reinforce their natural fear of humans. Be loud and wave your arms if they attempt to approach. You can also throw rocks and sticks in their direction.

Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets are large wasps found throughout California. Yellowjackets can be aggressive when disturbed and unlike bees, will sting repeatedly. The stings can be very painful and can cause allergic reactions in some people. They build nests in various locations, including underground, in trees, or on structures.

Yellowjackets are social insects that live in colonies with a clear division of labor. The colonies are founded by a queen, who lays eggs that develop into workers. It’s good to be the queen! The workers handle all the foraging and nest-building duties. Nests can be located underground, in cavities, and in trees or on structures.

Yellowjackets are particularly defensive when it comes to their nests. If they perceive a threat to their colony, become aggressive and sting repeatedly in defense. Mowing lawns, using outdoor equipment near their nests, or even accidental disturbances can trigger defensive behavior.

In late summer and early fall, yellowjackets become more aggressive as their colonies reach their peak size and food sources become scarcer. This is when they are most likely to come into contact with humans and become a nuisance.

If you do get stung, gently remove any visible stingers with a flat-edged object like a credit card. Wash the sting site with soap and water and apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. An over-the-counter pain reliever should help as well. If you experience a severe allergic reaction or have difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.

Tarantula Hawk Wasps

Tarantula hawk wasps are found in California deserts and known for their painful stings. In addition to the deserts, this wasp is common in southern California’s chaparral areas. They are not aggressive toward humans, but will sting if provoked or handled. A sting from the tarantula hawk wasp is considered one of the most painful insect stings, resulting in intense pain and localized swelling.

Tarantula hawk wasps are large, up to two inches in length, and have dark blue, iridescent bodies, bright orange wings, and long legs.

Female tarantula hawk wasps are known for their incredible hunting behavior. They specialize in preying on tarantulas, particularly large and docile species. The female wasp seeks out a tarantula, then paralyzes the spider with a venomous sting.

Once the tarantula is immobilized, the wasp lays a single egg on the spider’s body, drags it to a burrow, and seals the burrow entrance. The developing wasp larva feeds on the still-living tarantula that has been paralyzed by the female wasp’s neurotoxic sting! She then covers the burrow, trapping the spider inside. The larva feed on the spider’s vital organs last, in order to keep it alive long enough for the larva to turn into adult wasps. Freaky!

While the sting of a tarantula hawk wasp is considered one of the most painful insect stings, it is not usually dangerous to humans. The pain from the sting is often described as intense and immediate, lasting for several minutes to an hour. It is described as feeling like an electric shock or a hot poker, so I suggest avoiding these little guys!

Fire Ants

Originally native to South America, fire ants have unfortuntately spread to many parts of the world thanks to human activity. They thrive in warm and humid environments, making them common in the southern US, including some parts of California.

Fire ants are known for their aggressive behavior and deliver painful stings that can cause severe allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. If you have stepped in a bunch of fire ants before, you know that they love to swarm and bite the heck out of you!

California fire ants will nest in the ground, such as at the base of trees or shurb, or in grass. They seem to have an attraction to electricity and have been known to nest in electric outlets, breaker boxes, and HVAC systems. They will eat just about anything, including wire insulation and electric lines.

When threatened, fire ant will quickly swarm and sting intruders multiple times. The sting produces a burning sensation, hence the name “fire ant”. After the sting, victims will experience itching, pain, swelling, and a bunch of tiny, pus-filled blisters.

Right now, fire ants are primarily found in North San Diego County, South Orange County, the San Bernardino area and the Coachella Valley. The fire ant territory is currentlyincreasing by about five miles a year occur by flying females as well as plants that are moved from one location to another with a queen living in them. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, “This ant is expected to colonize all irrigated agricultural areas and lawns in California.”

The red fire ant is a quarantined pest in California. If you encounter fire ants on your property, be sure to call the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Pest Hotline  1-800-491-1899. These pests have the potential to cause major damage to California’s agricultural industry so they actively try to quarantine and erradicate an infestation once it is reported.

Not all poisonous snakes in California cause a life-threatening danger to humans. Some use their venom to subdue their prey and will only cause mild irritation to large mammals. Others are quite dangerous but not deadly, as long as medical treatment is sought immediately.

Only about 800 people receive a venomous snake bite in California per year. That”s just 2.5 bites per 100,000 people! And even better news- there are only one or two deadly rattlesnake bites per year in the entire country! Those are pretty great odds!

Snakes should not be feared but respected. Give them plenty of space and head their warnings (like a shake of the rattle) and you can enjoy these wonderful creatures who play a crucial role in our state’s ecosystems.

At the end of this article you will find snake safety tips as well as tips on what to do on the rare occassion of a venmous snake bite.

Want more California snake coverage? Here is your guide to 45 different types of snakes in Southern California.

Venomous Snakes in California

The Western Rattlesnake is the most widepspread venmous snake in California and there are four distinct subspecies that can be found in the state- The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, Northern Mojave Rattlesnake, Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake, and the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. Here are details about each one:

1. Northern Pacific Rattlesnake

The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake is a larger snake, with adults typically ranging from 3 to 4 feet in length. They have a relatively thick body with a series of dark, diamond-shaped blotches running down their back. The coloration can vary, but they often have a brown, gray, or olive background color, with darker brown or black blotches bordered by lighter scales.

This subspecies is found in the Pacific Northwest, including parts of Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, rocky slopes, and desert areas. In California, they are known to inhabit regions such as the Sierra Nevada, the coastal ranges, and the Central Valley.

Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes are primarily active during the warmer months and are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. They are ambush predators, feeding on a diet that primarily consists of small mammals, birds, lizards, and occasionally other snakes. They use their venom to immobilize and digest their prey.

Fun fact: A new rattle is gained each time a rattlesnake sheds it skin!

2. Northern Mojave Rattlesnake

The Northern Mojave Rattlesnake, aka: the Mojave Green Rattlesnake, is found in southeastern California, from the Colorado River north of the San Bernardino County line, west through the Mojave Desert to the Antelope Valley, to Walker Pass in the Sierra Nevada, and east of the Sierra Nevada into Inyo County.

In many ways, the Northern Mojave Rattlesnake looks and acts like a Western Diamondback, but there are some differences in appearance.

The most easy way to differientiate the two is location, location, location. Northern Mojave Rattlesnakes live in the high desert while Western Diamondbacks live in Southern California’s low desert.

It is a stout snake with a triangular head and a blackish or brown body with a series of light-colored saddles. The tail is long and has a prominent rattle. Adults typically measure between 2 and 4 feet in length.

This snake prefers open, arid habitats, such as grassland, desert scrub, rocky slopes, creosote bush flats, open juniper woodland, and light chaparral. It can also be found in lower mountain slopes up to about 8,000 feet in elevation. This rattlesnake feeds primarily on small mammals (mice, rats, rabbits, gophers), but will eat lizards and amphibians as well.

The Northern Mojave Rattlesnake is the most venomous snake in California, and its bite can be fatal if not treated promptly. However, most bites are not fatal, and with proper medical care, the vast majority of people bitten by this snake make a full recovery.

3. Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake

The Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake is found in the southwestern United States, including parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Southern California. It has a light brown or grayish-brown coloration with lighter blotches outlined by darker speckles.

It lives in the Santa Ana mountains of eastern Orange County, most of San Diego County (except the coastal area), eastern Imperial County, most of Riverside County, most of the southern half of San Bernardino County, and the Antelope Valley.

Speckled Rattlesnakes are most often spotted in rocky areas and they come in a variety of colors that camouflage well with their rocky homes. When the rocks are lighter in color, the snake will be snake will be light in color with darker speckled bandings across its back. If the rocks are darker, the snakes will be dark as well.

Adult Speckled Rattlesnakes are typically 2-3.5 feet in length. They do have black and white rings near the end of their tail at the rattle. Like all pit vipers, they have pits on the sides of their triangular heads which they use to detect heat and identify prey. They are primarily ambush predators who eat small mammals, reptiles, and small birds.

Learn more about Southern California wildlife. Here is your guide to all the hawks in Southern California.

4. Southern Pacific Rattlesnake

The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is the subspecies of Western Rattlesnake that is most commonly seen in Southern California. They live in Southern California west of the San Bernardino Mountain range. They won’t be found in the desert or Imperial County.

Many people tend to think that the rattlesnakes they are seeing in the LA/OC/SD area are Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, but those snakes do not live in this area. If you see a rattler in this region, it is very likely a Southern Pacific Rattlesnake.

You will see them most often in chaparral, rocky areas, and grassy areas. I have seen them most often near rocks sunning themselves or in dry grass near the edges of trails.

Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes are most active in the spring and fall. Truth be told, they usually see you before you see them and will give you fair warning with a rattle of their tale. They are not aggressive but they are venomous, so steer clear and give them plenty of space if you are passing by.

These snakes are anywhere from 1-5 feet long, and have a stripe behind the eye extending behind the corner of the mouth. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes have rattles and their tails are more stumpy than a Gopher Snake (which can look similar). Gopher Snakes have tails that taper and become quite skinny at the end and no rattle.

They do have light and dark rings at the tail but they aren’t sharply contrasting like the Western Diamondback and Northern Mojave Rattlesnake. There is a thicker tail ring right before the rattle that is generally dark brown in color. It has a light brown or grayish-brown coloration with distinctive dark blotches along the body.

Like other rattlesnakes in California, these snakes eat lizards, small mammals, amphibians, birds, and even other snakes!

There are over 25 varieties of snakes in Joshua Tree National Park, including the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. Use our Joshua Tree Day Trip Itinerary and keep your eyes out while exploring.

5. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is a beautiful rattlesnake that is highly regarded in Western lore. It is named for the diamond-shaped pattern on its back, which consists of dark brown or gray-brown diamond-shaped blotches outlined in lighter color.

They have a triangular-shaped head and a distinctive rattle at the end of their tail, which they use as a warning signal when threatened. These are big snakes, generally 3-5 feet in length, but some have been recorded at up to seven feet long! The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest rattlesnake in California.

Western Diamondbacks are not agressive towards humans and most bites occur when people are messing with these snakes or not paying attention to where they are walking. They can strike within one-third of their body length, so give them space!

Diamondbacks have pits on the side of their heads that sense heat and help them target prey. They eat a variety of small mammals such as mice, kangaroo rats, and jackrabbits.

Did you know? Rattlesnake rattles are made of keratin, which is the same protein that makes up our fingernails and a rhino’s horn. Pieces of rattles can get damaged or break off, but it is painless.

6. Red Diamond Rattlesnake

The Red Diamond Rattlesnake is another one of the beautiful venomous snakes in California. It lives in the southernmost reaches of the state, mostly in coastal areas, chaparral, and rocky, scrubby mountain areas in San Diego County, Orange County, and western Riverside County.

It is easiest to identify this snake because of its rusty or ruddy red coloring. The snake’s body does have a faint diamond pattern and the black and white rings near the rattle that are common among many rattlesnakes in Southern California.

The Red Diamond Rattlesnake is 2-5 feet long and has those trademark rattlesnake pits on the sides of their triangular heads used to detect heat and identify prey. They eat small mammals, lizards, and birds .

Fun fact: A rattlesnake shakes its rattle 60 time per second. That’s fast!

7. Mojave Desert Sidewinder

The Mojave Desert Sidewinder or Horned Rattlesnake, is a venomous snake species found primarily in the Mojave Desert in California. Their venom is not considered highly dangerous to humans, and bites are relatively rare. However, if you are bitten, you should still definitely seek medical attention.

The Mojave Desert Sidewinder has a distinctive horn-like projection above each eye, which gives it a unique appearance. The body coloration varies but often includes shades of tan, brown, or gray, allowing the snake to blend in with its desert surroundings and is typically 2-3 feet long.

One of the most remarkable adaptations of sidewinders is their unique mode of locomotion known as sidewinding. Rather than slithering in a typical serpentine fashion, the sidewinder moves by utilizing a lateral series of sideways loops, with only a few points of its body in contact with the ground at any given time. This specialized movement helps the snake navigate loose sandy terrain efficiently.

Sidewinders are pit vipers and use their heat-sensitive pits located between its nostrils and eyes to detect and accurately locate warm-blooded prey, such as small mammals, even in complete darkness or buried beneath the sand. Sidewinders are primarily nocturnal, being most active during the cooler hours of the evening and night.

8. Colorado Desert Sidewinder

The Colorado Desert Sidewinder is a sidewinder subspecies that is primarily found in the Colorado Desert of California which is in Riverside and Imperial County.

Sidewinders have a distinctive appearance with a relatively small and slender body, typically measuring 1.5 to 2.5 feet in length. They have light tan to pale brown coloration, often with darker brown or reddish-brown patches or crossbands on their back. Their most notable features are the horn-like scales above each eye.

Colorado Sidewinders are well-adapted to desert environments. Their name comes from their unique method of locomotion, where they move by a sidewinding motion. This movement pattern helps them navigate loose sand while minimizing body contact with the hot surface. Their scales are also specialized to enhance traction in sandy environments.

Sidewinders are primarily nocturnal, preferring to be active during the cooler hours of the evening and night. They spend much of their time buried in the sand during the day, seeking refuge from the intense desert heat.

9. Panamint Rattlesnake

The Panamint Rattlesnake is a rattlesnake found in the Panamint Mountains of Death Valley National Park. It lives on rocky slopes as well as the canyons and shrublands of this arid desert range.

This rattlesnake has a slender body with a distinct diamond-shaped pattern along the back. The coloration of the snake varies, but it typically has a gray or brownish background color with dark brown or black blotches bordered by lighter edges. Adults are usually 3 to 4 feet in length.

Like all rattlesnakes, the Panamint Rattlesnake has a rattle at the end of its tail which is used to give a warning as a mechanism of defense. They are primarily nocturnal and secretive, spending much of their time hidden under rocks or in crevices during the day. These ambush predators feed on small mammals, lizards, birds, and even other snakes.

The Panamint Rattlesnake is considered a species of conservation concern due to its restricted range and habitat fragmentation. It is protected under California state law, and efforts are being made to conserve its habitat and monitor its populations.

10. Lyresnake

The Lyre Snake is a variety of venomous snake that lives in California. Thankfully, the venom of this snake is not nearly as dangerous of those previously listed in the this guide. It may cause some irritation to humans and large animals, but isn’t truly dangerous.

There are two species of Lyre Snake that call California home. The California Lyre Snake is by far the most common. It lives throughout much of Southern California, other than the desert regions west of the LA Metro area and most of Imperial County. The other variety is the Sonoran Lyre Snake which lives in far eastern San Bernadino, Riverside, and Imperial counties.

These snakes generally live in rocky areas like deserts and chaparral hillsides. They are good at climbing in and around rocks and their coloration makes for excellent camouflage.

The color of these snakes’ bodies (which are 2-3 feet in length) usually matches the rocks of their habitat, which are usually shades of tan or brown. They have large, irregular shaped splotches on their backs and smaller version of those splotches on their sides. The splotches are darker than the body. The Sonoran Lyre Snake has fewer splotches than California Lyre Snake and their splotches tend to be further spaced apart.

They have a v-shaped marking on the top of their heads, aka: a lyre and the pupils of the Lyre Snake are vertical.

Lyre Snakes are nocturnal and mostly eat lizards, but they will also eat small snakes and mammals. They will also eat birds and bats. The tend to camouflage themselves in the rock and sneak up and ambush their prey.

11. Ring-necked Snake

The Ring-necked Snake is mildly venomous, but the good new is that the venom does not pose a threat to humans. In the rare event of a bite from a Ring-necked snake, it may cause a slight irritation or localized reaction, but it is generally harmless and does not require medical attention.

They tend to be shades of gray, from olive to charcoal, and have a distinctive orange or yellow band on the back of their necks. They are bright orange underneath, and will flip their tail up to show you their underside if they feel threatened.

There are four subspecies of Ring-necked Snake in California:

The Monterey Ring-necked Snake lives in Santa Barbara County and up the Central Coast.

The San Bernardino Ring-necked Snake can be found in the LA Metro area (minus the Antelope Valley) frmo Ventura County south to Orange County.

The San Diego Ring-necked Snake lives in San Diego County.

The Sierra Ring-necked Snake lives in montane habitats within the Sierra Nevadas, including forests, meadows, and rocky areas.

Ring-necked Snakes are small, only about pencil width, and just 10-16 inches in length. They live in moist habitats like woodlands, irrigated farmland, grasslands, riparain areas, or rocky hillsides. These are shy snakes that generally hide under things and you are most likely to find them by lifting up rocks or logs, or out around dusk.

They like to eat amphibians like salamanders, small frogs, and tadpoles. They will also eat slugs, worms, and tiny snakes and lizards.

12. Nightsnake

Nightsnakes are another species of snake that is mildly venomous, but the venom is not dangerous to humans. The snake’s venom is primarily used for subduing its small prey, and typically result in only mild symptoms such as slight pain and localized swelling on humans.

There are three subspecies of the Nightsnake in California:

The California Nightsnake lives along the Central Coast, Sierra Nevada Foothills, and the mountains north and west of the Sacramento Valley,

The Desert Nightsnake is in Mojave and Colorado river regions of the state as well as the arid regions in the far northeastern corner of the state.

The San Diego Nightsnake lives mainly in Ventura County, LA Metro, and San Diego Metro regions that aren’t desert.

These snakes are common to chaparral and deserts, grasslands and sagebrush, and even backyards! They like to hide under rocks or pieces of wood during the day. At night they hunt for lizards, frogs, salamanders, and small mice. They inject their mild venom by chewing.

Nightsnakes can look like rattlesnake, but they are much smaller (10-16 inches), don’t have rattles, and are nocturnal. They also have flat, triangular heads. Nightsnakes can also be mistaken for Gopher Snakes but again, they are much smaller. Also they have vertical pupils whereas the Gopher Snake has round pupils.

Their base color tends to match their environment which is usually anywhere for cream to light brown or gray. They have big brown or gray splotches down their backs and small splotches on their sides. They have bigger, darker blotches on their necks and their heads that match their base color.

Tips on How to Minimize Your Risk of Snake Bites While Exploring California

I love to hike and explore the more wild portion of our state, but encounters with wildlife are inevitable. I have seen rattlesnakes while hiking many times but have never come close to a bite because I follow some common sense tips. Here they are:

• Wear appropriate footwear: When hiking or exploring in snake-prone areas, especially during the spring and fall when they are most active, wear closed-toe shoes or boots to protect your feet and ankles. This is the place you are most likely to get bit, especially if you accidentally step on a snake.
• Stay on designated paths: Avoid walking through tall grass, dense vegetation, or rocky areas where snakes may be hiding.
• Watch where you are going: We call my daughter the “snake finder” because she always has her eyes on the ground ahead of her on the trail. She has saved more than one oblivious hiker from an unnecessary encounter.
• Avoid reaching into concealed areas: I feel like this should go without saying but I will say it- don’t stick your hands into holes in the ground or piles of rocks where snakes might be resting. If you want to lift a log or rock, use a tool or stick to gently probe before lifting it up.
• Avoid surprising snakes: Make noise while walking, especially in areas with limited visibility, to alert snakes of your presence and give them a chance to move away.
• Use a flashlight at night: If you’re exploring at night, use a flashlight or headlamp to illuminate your surroundings and watch for any snake movement. Many snakes are nocturnal.
• Keep a safe distance if you see a snake: If you encounter a snake, give it a wide berth and maintain a safe distance. Most snakes will try to retreat and avoid confrontation if they feel threatened. And for goodness snake, don’t try to touch or pick up the snake!

If You Get Bit by a Venomous Snake in California

If you get bitten by a rattlesnake, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Follow these tips and try to get to a hospital as soon as possible:

• Stay Calm: Keep the affected area as still as possible. Movement can spread the venom more quickly through the body.
• Call for help: Call 911 or have someone call for help immediately. Describe the situation and let them know that it is a snakebite.
• Remove tight clothing or jewelry near the bite: Swelling may occur, and it’s important to prevent constriction if possible.
• Keep the bite below heart level: If possible, position the affected limb below the level of your heart to slow the spread of venom. This can help reduce the rate at which venom circulates through the body.
• Do not apply a tourniquet: A tourniquet can worsen tissue damage and restrict blood flow, potentially causing further harm.
• Do not ice the wound: Cold applications are generally not recommended as they can worsen tissue damage.
• Do not attempt to suck out the venom: You have probably seen this happen in Old Westerns but it isn’t a good idea. It is ineffective and can introduce bacteria into the wound.

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