Desert Insects and Wildlife

Filming in natural environments requires additional planning and awareness. Southern California is home to a variety of potentially dangerous wildlife, including rattlesnakes, scorpions, spiders, ticks, bees, and other insects. Although the specific wildlife varies by region, the same safety principles apply regardless of location.

Students are responsible for considering environmental hazards during location scouting and discussing any concerns with Production Services before filming.

Location Planning

Wildlife awareness begins during the location scouting process. When evaluating an outdoor location, consider:

• Wildlife commonly found in the area
• Dense vegetation or tall grass
• Rock piles, wood piles, or abandoned structures
• Nearby nests, hives, burrows, or dens
• Standing water that may attract insects
• The location of the nearest hospital or emergency medical facility
• Cell phone reception and emergency access

If significant wildlife hazards are present, additional safety measures—or an alternate location—may be necessary.

Protecting Wildlife

Film productions are responsible not only for protecting cast and crew but also for minimizing their impact on wildlife and natural habitats. Students should never intentionally disturb, capture, injure, or kill wildlife. If wildlife must be relocated, only qualified professionals should perform the relocation.

Do not disturb:

• Bird nests
• Bee hives
• Animal dens
• Burrows
• Caves
• Native vegetation that serves as habitat

Any animals remaining near the filming location should be treated humanely and protected throughout production.

These practices are consistent with the American Humane Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Entertainment.

Personal Safety

When filming in desert, mountain, or rural environments:

• Wear long pants.
• Tuck pant legs into boots or socks when appropriate.
• Wear sturdy boots that cover the ankles.
• Wear long sleeves whenever practical.
• Wear light-colored clothing to make insects easier to see.
• Apply insect repellent according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Avoid perfumes or scented products that may attract insects.

Always remain aware of your surroundings, particularly when moving equipment or walking through vegetation.

Common Hazards

Southern California locations may contain:

• Rattlesnakes
• Scorpions
• Black widow spiders
• Brown recluse spiders
• Ticks
• Fire ants
• Bees, hornets, and wasps
• Africanized honey bees
• Mosquitoes
• Rodents

Many of these animals are harmless if left undisturbed. Give wildlife plenty of space and never attempt to handle or relocate an animal yourself.

Snake Safety

Rattlesnake season generally extends from April through October, although snakes may remain active year-round during warm weather. To reduce the risk of snake encounters:

• Watch where you place your hands and feet.
• Never reach into holes, rock crevices, dense vegetation, or underneath rocks.
• Use a stick when moving rocks or debris.
• Stay on established paths whenever possible.
• Step onto logs rather than over them so you can see the opposite side first.
• Check equipment, bags, and coiled cables before picking them up.
• Use extra caution when filming at night following hot days, as snakes may become nocturnal.

If you encounter a rattlesnake:

• Stop immediately.
• Slowly back away.
• Give the snake plenty of space.
• Never attempt to touch, capture, or provoke it.

Most rattlesnakes will move away if left alone.

Please note that in Southern California, April through October is rattlesnake season.

Insect Bites and Stings

Some insect bites and stings can produce severe allergic reactions. Before filming, determine whether any cast or crew members have severe allergies to insect stings and ensure they have immediate access to any prescribed emergency medication, such as an epinephrine auto-injector.

If anyone is bitten or stung:

• Notify the set medic immediately, if one is present.
• Seek medical evaluation whenever symptoms are significant.
• Call 911 immediately if the person experiences difficulty breathing, facial swelling, loss of consciousness, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction

If Bitten by a Venomous Animal

Seek emergency medical care immediately. While waiting for emergency responders:

• Keep the injured person calm.
• Immobilize the affected limb as much as possible.
• Note the approximate time of the bite.
• Remove rings or tight jewelry if swelling is expected.

Do NOT:

• Apply a tourniquet.
• Cut the wound.
• Attempt to suck out venom.
• Apply ice unless directed by medical personnel.
• Allow the victim to engage in unnecessary physical activity.

Rodents and Abandoned Structures

Locations such as abandoned buildings, tunnels, crawl spaces, bridges, sheds, and alleyways may contain rodents. Rodents can transmit diseases through bites, droppings, urine, and nesting materials, including hantavirus. When filming in these environments:

• Avoid disturbing rodent nests or droppings.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when necessary.
• Do not sweep or disturb large accumulations of rodent droppings.
• Consult Production Services before filming in contaminated locations.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for identifying wildlife hazards during pre-production and informing Production Services of any concerns. If hazardous wildlife is present at a filming location, Production Services may require additional safety measures, relocation of the filming area, or selection of an alternate location before production can proceed.