An interesting and important reminder from the San Francisco Chronicle this week: as California heats up, so do the chances of running into some of the state’s more elusive and dangerous wildlife. The East Bay Regional Park District has issued a rattlesnake advisory for a wide swath of Bay Area parklands, warning residents and hikers of increased snake activity as warm weather settles in.

With heat gripping the region, rattlesnakes are emerging from hibernation and basking in the sun, which is what cold-blooded creatures do best.

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, this seasonal behavior leads to more snake sightings along trails, roads, and sometimes in urban or rural backyards.

Rattlesnakes are venomous. They aren’t hunting you down, but they will defend themselves if startled or provoked. Most bites occur between April and October, when both snakes and humans are out and about — a dangerous overlap if you’re not paying attention.

Park officials are urging caution:

• Stick to clearly marked trails and avoid high grasses.
• Scan the ground ahead and avoid stepping over logs or reaching into brush.
• Keep dogs on a leash.
• Don’t hike alone, and always listen for the distinctive rattle.
  If you encounter a rattlesnake, give it space and do not try to handle it. Stay calm, call 911, and keep the affected limb below heart level if bitten. Avoid running or old wives’ remedies like sucking the venom out — they do more harm than good.

While rattlesnakes can be dangerous, they’re also vital to California’s ecosystem, helping control rodent and small reptile populations. As the East Bay Regional Park District says, “Enjoy snakes from afar and leave them where they are found.”

As summer ramps up, this is a timely reminder that enjoying the outdoors in California means staying alert and knowing when to give nature its space.