RAINS ARE OVER, BUT BEWARE THE RATTLESNAKES IN THE GRASS EXPERTS PREDICT SURGE IN SIGHTINGS, BITES.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - This winter's record rainfall may result in a boom in the area's population of snakes, which thrive in the abundant vegetation along hillsides, hiking trails and back yards, experts said.

Rattlesnakes, the only venomous snake in California, begin to emerge from hibernation when the temperatures rise, feeding on rodents and squirrels that forage on vegetation.

``With all the new growth from the rain, there's going to be more rodents out,'' said Chris Sapovchak, recreation leader for the Placerita Nature Center and Park. ``The majority of snakes are active early in the morning or evening, when it starts to get dark. The best chances to see them are around those times.''

The Castaic Lake Animal Shelter is beginning to receive at least four snake-related calls a week.

``We've been going to pick them up in back yards and bushes, '' said animal shelter aide Fiona Hoselt. ``In the summertime, we can get from four to five calls daily.''

Gopher snakes, California King snakes and the Southern Pacific rattlesnakes are all common around Santa Clarita, nature experts said.

One rattlesnake bite was reported Wednesday when a 4-year-old girl was bitten on the leg while looking at wildflowers in the Antelope Valley with her family. The girl suffered a seizure and vomited, a sign that she had come in contact with venom, but she is expected to recover fully, officials said.

Health officials said anyone bitten by a poisonous snake should remain calm. If possible, keep the bite area immobile and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Sapovchak of the Placerita Nature Center said respect is always the best policy.

``When you do see a snake, we tell people to respect it, to keep your distance from it,'' he said. ``Don't pick it up. Don't touch it. All snakes have teeth, even though only rattlers have venom.''

Susan Abram, [phone]

susan.abram(at)dailynews.com

HELPFUL HINTS

Here are precautions for hikers or casual walkers:

--Watch where you put your hands and feet. Don't step over a log or rock if you can't see on the other side. Don't climb ledges or rocky hillsides if you can't see your next handhold. Don't reach under a rock or into a hole if you don't know what's there.

--Wear high boots with loose jeans over them when hiking through brush.

--Avoid dead rattlesnakes. Many people have been bitten by the reflex action of dead snakes.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- color) Rattlers, like this Southern Pacific rattlesnake, may become more prevalent in hidden places, now that heavy rains have increased wild vegetation.

(2) Rodents foraging on new vegetation are targets for rattlers, such as this Mojave green rattlesnake.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer

Box:

HELPFUL HINTS (see text)