SNAKE SIGHTINGS UP IN SOUTHLAND : EARLY WARMING BRINGS THEM OUT.

Byline: Daily News Staff and Wire Services

Snakes trying to bask in sunshine have triggered a rise in snake-sighting reports across Southern California, authorities said.

There are always more sightings as the arrival of spring draws snakes out of their underground homes to seek sunlight. This year, unusually warm weather has brought them out earlier than usual.

Snakes generally are found on hillsides, brush-covered areas and around homes next to canyons and wilderness areas, and they're most active in the mornings and evenings.

It's still a bit chilly for snake season in the Antelope Valley, but residents should beware nevertheless.

``It hasn't been warm enough to bring them out into this area yet,'' said Gail Miley, Antelope Valley Shelter manager. ``But this is the season and if people are going hiking or camping they should watch out.''

The shelter receives few snakebite reports because residents have become familiar with the danger, Miley said.

The San Diego division of the California Poison Control System, which gives assistance to emergency room doctors in seven Southern California counties, has received 10 reports of snakebites this season, up from the usual three or four this time of year, said toxicologist Anthony Manoguerra.

Laguna Beach Animal Control Officer Joy Lingenfelter said she usually gets four to 10 snake calls a week, even during the summer. But on a recent day, Lingenfelter received five calls about snakes, three of which were rattlesnakes, the only poisonous kind in the area.

Still, most snakes are ``good neighbors,'' said Orange County Animal Control Officer Marie Hulett.

The reptiles' behavior is hard to predict. Sometimes they're bold enough to slither through an open door to cool off indoors.

Rattlesnakes may announce their presence by shaking the rattle at the tip of their tails. At the sight or sound of a rattler, a hiker should freeze to give the snake a chance to crawl away.

``You'd be surprised how many people get bitten when they want to do something with the snake,'' Manoguerra said.

``They want to pick it up, show it to their friends, keep it as a pet. It's not just children, it's usually adults.''

A bite victim should loosen tight clothing and calmly seek help. Running only quickens the heart and pushes the venom through the body. If the journey is too difficult, the victim's hiking buddy should go for help, Manoguerra said.

``Most people think they have minutes,'' he said. ``They really have hours'' before a bite poses serious harm.

``It's pretty unusual for someone to die of a rattlesnake bite,'' Manoguerra said, ``unless they get no care at all.''