Quick Take
- A rattlesnake didn't just appear on the beach. It came out of the ocean first, and the reason why changes how you think about coastal safety. See the full encounter →
- One beachgoer's close call came down to a single unsuspecting body part, and the outcome almost went very differently. Read about the close call →
- Rattlesnakes can't live in the ocean, yet this one ended up there. The explanation turns out to be more mundane than you'd expect. Why it ended up there →
- No animal control intervention was needed, though not for the reason most people would guess. How the snake situation resolved →
When we go to the beach, we expect to come across all sorts of animals. From crabs along the sand to fish in the water, beaches are full of diverse wildlife. One beachgoer ran into a rattlesnake. This Instagram post by @abc7la highlighted the unusual encounter. Read here to learn more about rattlesnakes at the beach.
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Rattlesnakes don’t typically enter the ocean, but they are capable swimmers and can make their way out if needed.
©iStock.com/MichaelSvoboda
Rattlesnakes at the Beach
The video above shows a close encounter between a man and a rattlesnake. Nicky Paris was spending his time at Crystal Cove, south of Newport Beach, California. After leaving the ocean, he felt something brush against his big toe. When he looked down, he saw a large rattlesnake that had also come out of the water. The snake slowly made its way from the water, across the sand, and up to the hillside. Thankfully, Paris was not bitten! Rattlesnakes are not particularly rare in Orange County, but seeing one directly on the beach is quite unexpected. California has seven different species of rattlesnakes that range across diverse habitats. Their habitats include parks, coastal areas, and inland deserts. It is interesting to see a snake spending its time in the ocean!
Rattlesnakes aren’t aquatic animals, but they can, in fact, swim. The ocean is not a typical habitat for them, but if they end up in the water, they are able to swim and make their way out. While we don’t know exactly how or why the snake got into the ocean, it most likely entered accidentally while moving along the coast. Southern California at this time of year also gets pretty hot, so the snake may have simply wanted to cool down. After the snake got out of the water, it returned inland on its own without requiring intervention. Other beachgoers made sure to keep their distance as well, ensuring a safe outcome for themselves and the snake.
