“Meanwhile, spring came, and with it the outpourings of Nature. The hills were soon splashed with wild flowers; the grass became an altogether new and richer shade of green; and the air became scented with fresh and surprising smells – of jasmine, honeysuckle, and lavender.”

― Dalai Lama XIV, The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama

A spring day is touched by the finest of nature’s fare. Weather-wise, it comes close to perfection; during the day it’s warm, but not hot, and the night’s cool, but not cold. The sky is a pale blue and clear, albeit a few passing fluffy white clouds. Our rain-watered yards are now lush green and blooming.  All other days should take heed!

The “super bloom” maybe slowly fading, but the animal world is in full bloom. Under our eaves, nests are filled with small blue eggs; peeping hatchlings are imminent. On the lower trails, in our local mountains, small herds of deer graze. By the look of many does, the population is soon to increase. The fine weather brings out not only pretty flowers and cute baby animals, but with the “Bambi-like” setting, danger lurks.

Two very real dangers are found in our own neighborhood, especially during the spring and summer months. They are often on the lists of the top 10 phobias —Arachnophobia, fear of  spiders, is number one and Ophidiophobia, fear of snakes, is number two. Western black widow spiders are the most common spider native to California known to inflict serious injury to humans. According to the National Institutes of Health, fatalities from black widow bites typically occur among young children, the elderly and those who are extremely ill. Being shy in nature, they stay hidden from view. Areas of greatest concern are molded plastic pedal-powered toy vehicles that have open spaces underneath, outside toy boxes, sheds, picnic tables and other pieces of patio furniture. And while we’re talking of sneaky, scurrying, speedy spiders; let’s not forget slithering snakes. Rattlesnakes are the most common venomous snakes found in California, and Southern California is home to several species according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Department states most bites happen from April to October, when the snakes and people are most active outdoors. Rattlesnake bites are a medical emergency, but are very rarely fatal to humans.

Mild warm conditions continue until Sunday night. Low pressure is expected to move in; clouds and a thick marine layer may bring drizzle or April showers. Use caution, umbrellas make an ideal habitat for arachnids.

Sue Kilpatrick is a Crescenta Valley resident and  Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at
suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue Kilpatrick