Snakebite season has begun. Protect your kids and pets!

Rancho Santa Fe, CA - San Diego's rattlesnake population has come out of hiding. Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe says that, with a few precautions, families can protect their children and pets from snakebite and increase their chance of survival if bitten.

• When hiking with your pet stay on the marked, broad, well traveled trails.
• Keep your dog on a leash so it can't wonder off the trail AND so you can pull it to safety if you do encounter a rattlesnake.
• If your dog is bitten, try to remain calm so you don't excite it even more. Then carry the bitten pet to the car. Don't make it walk or run.
• Get a description of the snake (size, color, markings) so you can share the information with the veterinarian. This may help in the treatment.
• Immediately go to the nearest vet clinic (even if it's not your regular vet).
• Keep your vet's phone number handy or program it into your cell phone.

At Critter Camp we teach kids to remember the "3 L's".

1. Listen for rattlesnakes.
2. Learn what they look like.
3. Leave them alone!

Small rattlesnakes are more dangerous than larger snakes because they don't know how to control the amount of venom they release when they bite.

Remember that snakes are important to the environment. They help control rodents.

Practice playing "Freeze - Snake" with your kids.

Helen Woodward Animal Center's "Critter Camp" June 12 - August 25, 2006 is a great way for children to learn how to react if they encounter snakes and other wild animals or just how to care for their domestic pets. For more information visit the Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe, call 858-756-4117.