A San Pedro man who was hospitalized after being attacked by his potentially deadly banded Gila monster has been handed a heavy set of orders following Tuesday's hearing. Derek Nathaneal Castaneda has been sentenced to three years probation, must attend 16 animal neglect classes, has been ordered to pay the Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Preservation Fund $1,000 and must seek treatment via 52 Alcoholics Anonymous classes. more ›

While the heat wave has obviously curbed many local hikers' routines, it hasn't put a dent in the routine of one SoCal resident: the rattlesnake. Although it's easy to get used to signs posted at local hiking spots, stumbling upon a rattlesnake can cause the exact type of reaction you seek to avoid. The adage "Don't bother them and they won't bother you," may be all you need - what person wants to provoke a rattler? - but what your pet does can be a different matter. more ›