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Hot Temperatures Send Rattlesnakes Slithering Through Placer County

ROCKLIN (CBS13) — The extreme heat is having an impact not only on people, but wildlife as well. Several snake sightings have been reported in Placer County, and now experts are warning people to be aware.

"Right there, that's what we're finding in backyards, front yard," said Len Ramirez, a snake removal expert.

Ramirez was pointing out a three-foot rattle snake that was caught a couple days ago. He's been working long hours and into the night.

"Problems happen when it gets really hot," said Ramirez.

With temperatures stretching into the mid 100's, snakes, like people, look for places to cool off.

"We're finding a lot of rattlesnakes in garages," said Ramirez, "in cool places, underneath decks, underneath houses, underneath shrubbery."

For rural areas and neighborhoods near the foothills that means closer to the house.

"Just to see it in the actual backyard, that was not fun,"' said Gina Garcia.

A couple weeks ago, Garcia's dog was bit by a snake on the side of her house in Rocklin. The attack happened while her husband and son were taking their trash out.

"He tried to strike my husband and he grabbed my son and took off and my brother killed it," said Garcia.

She posted pictures and warned neighbors on social media.

"I freaked out," said Garcia, "I don't want the kids in the backyard without shoes on anymore."

"It's kind of freaky," said Zeo Smith, who lives across the street.

"It's not something we worry about all the time," she continued, "but we keep our eyes open and are just aware."

With sweltering temperatures, Ramirez says to think cool if you encounter a snake.

"Make sure that they (people) freeze. Give the rattlesnake a chance to move away," said Ramirez.

He says eight people have reported a snake bite so far this year.

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