Page 4 - The Friday Flyer ● MARCH 01, 2019

A-4 THE FRIDAY FLYER MARCH 1, 2019

AFV warns residents to

beware of rattlesnakes

This winter’s rains have led to a lot of
vegetation growth, which attracts rattle-
snake prey such as mice and other ro-
dents. Residents should keep their yard
free of debris and keep shrubs trimmed.
Canyon Lake is a special draw to the
snakes due to the lake, foliage and abun-
dance of small animals that are food for
the snakes. Rattlesnakes are active from
spring to fall, but the period of greatest
activity is from March to June. Early in PHOTO PROVIDED BY DEBRA KIPP
the year, rattlesnakes are active during
the day but as daytime temperatures in-
crease, they become active later in the
evening. Canyon Laker Debra Kipp enjoys an afternoon with her three grandchildren in a fi eld
When walking your dog, keep them of poppies.
on a short leash, six-feet or shorter is the
law.
Pet owners should discuss the use of ‘Super Bloom’ is here
the rattlesnake vaccine with their veteri-
narian. The Animal Friends of the Val-
leys Clinic has this vaccination for $15.
• The California Department of The Super Bloom has returned to throwing trash into the designated re-
Fish and Wildlife offers these Lake Elsinore. Following significant ceptacles in the parking area.
other tips for avoiding rattle- rainfall this year, once again the lo- Parking is available along Walker
snakes: PHOTO PROVIDED BY AFV cal hillsides are starting to fill with Canyon Road. Parking is not allowed
• Stay alert. After a cool night, wildflowers, including poppies and along Lake Street and stopping is not
rattlesnakes will try to warm up lupine. allowed on the roadways at anytime.
by basking in the sun. A startled Rattlesnakes are most active from March to The recommended viewing area Turn around areas have been estab-
rattlesnake may not rattle before June. Canyon Lake is a special draw to the is Walker Canyon Trail located off lished in certain areas on Walker Can-
striking. snakes due to the lake, foliage and abun- of Lake Street on I-15. To help pre- yon Road.
• Wear sturdy boots and loose- dance of small animals that rattlesnakes feed serve the hillsides for many years to For safety and compliance, a Lake
fitting pants. Never go barefoot on. come, visitors are asked to stay on es-
or wear sandals when walking tablished trails and avoiding walking, Elsinore Sheriff Station Community
through brushy, wild areas. • Never grab “sticks” or “branch- laying or standing on the flowers. Services Officer will be on site on
• Stick to well-used trails. Avoid es” while swimming. Rattle- The City of Lake Elsinore is ask- Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to
tall grass, weeds and heavy un- snakes can swim. ing visitors to park in the approved 5 p.m. to assist with traffic.
derbrush where snakes may hide • Leash your dog when hiking. parking location, use caution while For more information, contact the
during warmer parts of the day. • Talk to your veterinarian about hiking, pay close attention to the City of Lake Elsinore at 951-674-
• Don’t put your hands or feet canine rattlesnake vaccines and signs and help keep the area clean by 3124.
where you can’t see. what to do if your pet is bitten.