Injured or orphaned snakes
 The Bay Area is home to many different species of snakes, including the gopher snake, kingsnake and rattlesnake. The only venomous snake in the Bay Area is the western rattlesnake; all other snakes are harmless. Snakes are beneficial because they eat many animals we consider pests such as mice and rats.
Do not attempt to handle rattlesnakes. |
Baby snake
Leave it alone. Snakes can care for themselves from birth. |
Snake caught in bird netting
Do not attempt to remove the netting yourself-you will likely injure the snake's skin. If it is not a rattlesnake, cut the netting about a foot from the snake and bring the entire mass to the museum. If it is a rattlesnake caught in netting, call animal control (in Contra Costa County call 925-335-8300). |
Injured snake
Place in secure container and bring to the museum as quickly as possible. |
Snake caught on sticky trap
Do not attempt to remove the snake from the trap. Bring the snake still stuck to the trap to the museum as quickly as possible. |
