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Officials warn of rattlesnakes at New Smyrna Beach park

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — It's not only sharks that Volusia County beachgoers must keep an eye out for.

Recent high tides caused by Hurricane Joaquin are bringing out more rattlesnakes onto the beach.

New Smyrna Beach's Dunes Park is a haven for dog walkers. It's also known for its rattlesnakes.
 
"They are here all year round here," said Stacey Cabe, a park employee. "A lot of them are in the gopher tortoise holes because they do share the burrows with those guys."
 
Cabe warns visitors to be extra cautious because the snakes are ending up on the beach.
 
When the tides are high, the snakes get washed out of their holes in the sand dunes. They then try to get back to land to return to the burrows.
 
"They are cool-looking little snakes," Cabe said. "They got nice patterns going on, but they are very venomous. Especially, the little ones are because they can't control their venom."
 
So far, the rattlesnakes haven't bitten any people or dogs.

Cabe said dog owners should keep their pets on a leash.
 
"Keep them out of the dunes, away from any vegetation that is not trimmed up yet," Cabe said. "They will just be out of there, out of the heat, just cooling down and everything."

Beachgoers should search their towels, blankets and bags for rattlesnakes before they pick them up and leave, she said.