SUNNING SNAKES SPUR RISE IN SIGHTING CALLS.

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.

Pacific rattlers and gopher snakes are the varieties most commonly reported to the Los Angeles County animal shelter in Castaic. They most often slither toward homes that abut the Santa Clarita Valley's hills and canyons, and they are in search of water and shade.

``We've gotten a few calls on rattlesnakes,'' said Lt. George Enriquez of the Castaic shelter.

``They hunt during the day. I'm sure they're out looking for something to eat, especially after hibernation for three or four months,'' Enriquez said. Snakes generally hibernate from around November until the weather warms up in spring, he noted.

``You get a good warm day when temperatures are above 80 degrees and there usually are snake calls,'' Enriquez 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 receives 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.''