Golfing with Rattlesnakes in Lake Tahoe

July 26, 2012

Question: For years I was always told there are no rattlesnakes in the Lake Tahoe area because the altitude was too high. However, recently I’ve read many articles that say rattlesnakes can live as high as 10,000 feet. I am worried because I play golf and often end up in the rough, which means looking for my golf ball in tall grass and brush. Are there rattlesnakes in the Lake Tahoe basin and surrounding areas that I need to be watching out for? (Nick R.)

Answer: The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) doesn’t track occurrences of common snake species, but according to DFG Statewide Coordinator for Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles Betsy Bolster, don’t discount the possibility of encountering a rattlesnake in the Lake Tahoe area. The Great Basin rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus lutosus) is widespread and can occur up to the timberline. According to references, the Great Basin Rattlesnake (subspecies, Crotalus oreganus lutosus) is found in California in the far northeastern corner and in a small region east of the Sierra Nevadas near the Mono Lake area. Its range continues outside the state to the north into eastern Oregon, and east to western Utah, southern Idaho, most of Nevada and barely into extreme northwestern Arizona. Its preferred habitat includes rocky hillsides, barren flats, sagebrush, grassy plains and agricultural areas.

You should know though, that rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive, and will usually only strike when threatened or deliberately provoked. Given room they will likely retreat. Most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing. The majority of snakebites occur on the hands, feet and ankles.

The California Poison Control Center notes that rattlesnakes account for more than 800 bites each year, and only one to two deaths. About 25 percent of the bites are “dry,” meaning no venom was injected, but the bites still require medical treatment.

Given this, since your golf game, like mine, includes some time spent in the rough, I’d keep my eyes and ears open when searching for a golf ball away from the fairway. It might be worth it to hit the pro shop for some extra golf balls rather than taking chances on whether or not you are in rattlesnake habitat. FORE!

(References: (Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Robert C. Stebbins, 1985). Californiaherps.com. www.californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/c.o.lutosus.html)

Just watch where you step. Rattlesnakes are actually kind of rare and hard to encounter, unless you're near a den or hotspot I wouldn't be worried.

Question:  I like to golf and I hear that planes fly over golf courses.   What are the chances a plane will fall out of the sky and land on me?

Answer: about the same as being bit by a rattlesnake while golfing. 


Best one ever Hojo.  He could never live by me.  Wife has whacked them into bits with a hoe to get back onto the yard on a few occasions.

Just watch where you step. Rattlesnakes are actually kind of rare and hard to encounter, unless you're near a den or hotspot I wouldn't be worried.

I see them ALL the time at my fishing spot.
Almost jumped on one, stepped over one, almost swam with one, came close to grabbing one reaching around a rock. many more encounters than I have time to list.
Luckily, never bitten.

Just watch where you step. Rattlesnakes are actually kind of rare and hard to encounter, unless you're near a den or hotspot I wouldn't be worried.

I see them ALL the time at my fishing spot.
Almost jumped on one, stepped over one, almost swam with one, came close to grabbing one reaching around a rock. many more encounters than I have time to list.
Luckily, never bitten.

The foothills are littered with dens, your fishing spot must be very close to one. Rattlesnakes do not venture far from them.

Wife has whacked them into bits with a hoe to get back onto the yard on a few occasions.

Tastes like chicken?

I pissed on a 5' rattler at melones night fishing. He didn't make a sound till I shook it!! I guess he was just waving back.

I pissed on a 5' rattler at melones night fishing. He didn't make a sound till I shook it!! I guess he was just waving back.

Haha. And deep too.

Wife has whacked them into bits with a hoe to get back onto the yard on a few occasions.

Tastes like chicken?

No,  we buried it but she did publicize it on her FB as she does with all her kills (and baby pictures)

Depending on where you live if you have rattlesnakes on your property and want them gone i'll take them.

I once wrestled rattler for four days, until I realized I was just masturbating.

Middle fork of the American River I almost jumped on one, I stepped over one and never saw it, almost swam with one, almost grabbed onto one reaching around a rock, ran from at least a dozen when I heard them buzz me.
On Hwy 50 I was running down the trail from Lovers Leap one March. I had just run across a 50 yard snow drift and took a break at the end of it. As I was catching my breath I looked down and 12'' from my ankle was a big snake. Looked like a dark gopher snake. I reached down and as it slowly slithered away it buzzed me. I was surprised to see a rattler there. Had been going there for over 30 years and never once saw one and that was right by Camp Sacramento. I used to work there so I've spend a lot of time in that area. First one I ever saw there.

I once wrestled rattler for four days, until I realized I was just masturbating.

I didn't know that rattlers were that small, must have just hatched.

I see rattlers around my house and yard regularly and kill at least 6 a year for over the past 20 years.  I figure any rattler stupid enough to get within my safety zone deserves the hoe!!

But, as far as rattlers in the mountains;
I have worked over 25 years in the mountains around Loon, Ice House and Union Valley.  I've seen them around Loon Lake LOTS of times and that's pretty high, probably same as Lake Tahoe. 
My experience is; if you are outdoors in California there is a very high probability that a rattler can be in your general vicinity.

Just watch where you step. Rattlesnakes are actually kind of rare and hard to encounter, unless you're near a den or hotspot I wouldn't be worried.

This is not good information. Rattle snakes are not rare and they are easy to encounter. But can be avoided if you are careful and aware of them. Not meaning to insult you but the best part of your advice is "Just watch your step."