Snake season slithers open
10:00 PM PDT on Saturday, May 9, 2009

BOB PRATTE

Every spring, when snakes slither out of underground hibernation and hunt for food and mates, I hear reports of rattler sightings.

It is also a season when snakebite experts issue warnings about being careful when outdoors because snakes are active before scalding summer heat keeps them hunkered down in the shade of bushes or underground during hot hours of the day.

When people see a couple of rattlers, they declare a spring the worst ever for snakes. Until this year, I've always doubted them. I figured they became excited after seeing a couple of snakes. I didn't see how a wet winter could instantly create more 3-year old diamondbacks....
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