Mountain biker catches rattlesnake fight in Trione-Annadel State Park on video

Santa Rosa resident Nicholas Moreda didn't expect to come face to face with some of the most dangerous snakes in Northern California last Thursday.

But, as Moreda hit the trails in Trione-Annadel State Park for a routine bike ride, he was met with not one, but two venomous Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes. Lucky for Moreda, the two reptiles were too preoccupied with each other to take much notice of him.

Moreda spotted the two snakes on South Burma trail around 11am. From his distance of 10 ft. away, Moreda wasn't quite sure what the two writhing shapes were.

“I was surprised. I thought it was a branch, and when it moved, I was caught off guard,” said Moreda.

After getting over his initial shock, Moreda pulled out his phone, taking a quick video of the fascinating encounter and posting it to Facebook. Since Thursday, the Facebook video has reached viral status, garnering 3.3K views in three days.

Originally, Moreda thought the two snakes might be mating. 'Morning trail traffic. #getaroom.' Moreda commented on Thursday.

Wendy Lam, a rattlesnake expert with JnW Reptile Rescue in Vallejo identified the snakes' erratic behavior as fighting, rather than mating.

“The snakes are fighting over competition to mate with a female,” Lam said. “The video shows two males, so there must be a female nearby [off camera].”

According to Lam, the two reptiles are in a territorial standoff. “Whoever wins will get to mate,” said Lam.

With the warm weather that accompanies summer, more and more rattlesnakes have been roaming the trails across Sonoma County's state and regional parks. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, snakes will typically become more active around dusk, dawn, and throughout the night during the warmer months.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends that you stay aware of your surroundings during rattlesnake season. Snakes aren't just confined to rural areas; they can be found in urban neighborhoods as well.

When walking through grassy and bushy areas, try to wear long, loose-fitting pants and closed-toed shoes. Never hike alone and always keep your dog on a leash in rattlesnake country.

Don't rely on the telltale sound of a rattlesnake's rattle to notify you of nearby danger; many rattlesnakes don't use their rattle in order to remain undetected, and they are known to strike without warning.

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, stay calm and get to the nearest medical facility. Be sure to remove any clothing items that may restrict swelling. Do not ice or compress the wound, cut the wound, or attempt to suck the poison out with your mouth.

Rattlesnake venom can affect the liver, so avoid drinking alcohol or taking liver-damaging medication in the weeks following the bite.

If you encounter a rattlesnake in a urban area, call an animal control facility to help remove the reptile and release it back into nature. Do not attempt to capture or kill the snake yourself. JnW Reptile Rescue in Vallejo and Sonoma County Reptile Rescue in Sebastopol are two organizations that can help relocate the snake to a safer area.

Rattler season is upon us, so remember to stay safe and aware- you might just catch a once-in-a-lifetime video if you keep your eyes peeled.