Although this is a venomous snake, its venom is of no apparent danger to humans. This toxin helps subdue the lizards and mice this snake eats. It lives in rocky areas, often in dry conditions from the chaparral to the desert. Western Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis Rattlesnakes are the only dangerously venomous snakes in California. People who are careful about where they put their hands and feet, and who leave snakes alone, do not get bitten.
Most bites occur to people who are trying to catch or kill the snake.
If away from immediate areas of human occupancy, rattlers should be left to fulfill their role in nature.