We were taking a relaxing walk in the canyon across the street (O’Neill Regional Park) Saturday night when we spotted a snake slithering through the bushes.

Being the fine father that I am I wanted to responsibly show my children the beauty of nature. I remember thinking about It being important to teach them to appreciate wildlife…

… until I heard the high-pitched rattle start up.

Then my thoughts were all about, “Let’s get the Hell out of here!”

It seems that we crossed paths with a Western Rattlesnake, one not uncommon in Southern California. The past few years of above average rain have increased the population of their prey (rats, mice) and, in turn, the population of rattlesnakes has exploded.

We’d previously only seen gopher snakes so close to home.

Marla relayed to me tonight that a friend’s dog was bitten by a rattlesnake in their backyard just earlier today.

Guess I’ll have to add that to the list of things to look out for when we venture outside! (There are also tarantulas, mountain lions and deer across the street.)