SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) - If you live near a canyon or open space, snakes could be in your neighborhood, even near your home.
So what's the best way to keep them away from your family?
News 8's Brandon Lewis asked reptile expert, Tom Derr, Treasurer of the San Diego Herpetologist Society, who promotes awareness and education about safety tips to help guard against snakes.
The information he's providing comes a day after a 3-year-old boy was bitten by a rattlesnake in the Allied Gardens area.
It happened Friday morning outside of Canyon Rim Children's Center, where neighbors say they often see rattlesnakes.
"They're all over the place. In the canyon, Rancho Penasquitos -- we get a lot of rattlesnakes here," Derr said.
Derr says using proper fencing with a quarter-inch mesh is a good way to get started.
"Put it a foot in the ground, 2 feet above and go all around covering anything bigger than your pinky finger because a baby rattlesnake can get through," Derr said.
If you're hiking or just enjoying the outdoors, Derr says you should try to back away from the snake. They usually only attack humans when they feel threatened.
Staff at Canyon Rim killed the rattlesnake they say bit the toddler Friday, citing the risk to other children nearby.
Derr says it's important to remember snakes are an important part of our eco-system.
RELATED COVERAGE