The rising heat in Southern California not only drives up temperatures but also increases the chances of encountering snakes on trails and in residential yards, warned snake wrangler Bruce Ireland in a news report published by Fox News San Diego.

Because snakes are cold-blooded, they often come out to warm themselves on paths and trails. While such encounters might seem frightening, Ireland says these reptiles won’t attack if given space. He recommends alerting fellow hikers if a snake is spotted and keeping dogs on a leash, as they are the most likely to be bitten due to their curious nature.

With decades of experience, Ireland explains how to tell the difference between a venomous and a harmless snake: the former typically has a wider head and a rattle, while the latter has a small head and a thin, pointed tail.

Snake removal calls tend to rise on hot days, and sightings are more common in the early morning or in shaded areas.