VCSTAR: Rattlesnake bite sends Ventura County teen to hospital for days
"...When she hit a particularly narrow stretch, the 14-year-old got off her bike to walk through but slipped on an uneven patch of ground...."
(paywall, paper has hardly any content nowadays)
TO Acorn: As rattlesnakes reemerge, local expert stresses awareness
"...“Stay on the path whenever you walk, and if you are in tall grass where you can’t see your shoes, that’s not a good place to be,” Solis said. “If you are wearing Air- Pods or headphones, make sure one ear is open so you can hear your surroundings.” ..."
"...Subject experts don’t go so far as suggesting staying indoors until the end of rattlesnake season, but they do recommend taking simple precautions like staying on wide, well-used trails if you’ll be hiking; avoiding putting hands or feet where you can’t see them and avoiding tall grass or heavy brush...."
https://www.toacorn.com/articles/as-rattlesnakes-reemerge-local-expert-stresses-awareness/
As rattlesnakes emerge early from winter hibernation across the region, locals are reporting sightings earlier than usual. While most people steer clear of them, animal expert Marco Solis deals daily to safely remove and relocate the reptiles. Not only have sightings been reported and shared multiple times on social media, but three bites were reported in as many weeks recently <a href="https://www.toacorn.com/articles/as-rattlesnakes-reemerge-local-expert-stresses-awareness/">[…]</a>
"...“Give rattlesnakes at least three to four feet of space, and more for larger individuals,” he said. “Keep your distance, take a few photos to add to a community science platform like iNaturalist, and then allow yourself and the snake to continue on in your journey.”
When you’re enjoying a trail, stick to the designated path and avoid walking in tall grass or areas where you cannot see the ground.
During a hike, if you need to take a break on a log or a rock, make sure to inspect it before taking a seat. ..."
LA Times: It’s not your imagination. This is a weird rattlesnake season. Here’s what’s happening
"...Taylor said she’d already had about 10 to 20 times the number of calls she usually receives from those in her community.
Why? Simply put: The snakes have been more active — and so have people.
Unseasonably warm weather patterns, including the unprecedented heatwave in March, have driven rattlesnakes out of their winter retreats in search of food and mates a month ahead of the typical start of rattlesnake season, Taylor said. Similarly, the warmer temperatures have compelled outdoor enthusiasts to hit the trails, increasing the odds of a run-in with the serpents. ..."
Ventura County Fire has a Remote Rescue (off trail) at Rose Valley Falls for a rattlesnake bite. #VenturaCounty #EMS #rattlesnakes #SearchAndRescue
Update: this call
https://m.ai6yr.org/@vcfddispatch_bot/116302747251477351
26-0026464: Remote Rescue at < 100 34°31'45.12"n / 119°10'52.68"w, - Status: En Route - Units: E22, B16, EMS63, CPT4, MED612 - 3/27/26 12:16 https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=19/34.529000/-119.181000 https://www.flightradar24.com/N70VC
Officially, FOUR rattlesnake bites here locally, one fatal. (officials finally providing cohesive information here)
LA Times: A second fatal rattlesnake bite on a Southern California hiking trail
"...A 46-year-old Moorpark woman died from a rattlesnake bite, the second fatal bite in Southern California in recent weeks.
Ventura County received four rattlesnake bite reports since March 14, compared with nine bites total in 2025.
Record-breaking heat is probably driving rattlesnakes onto trails, prompting authorities to remind hikers about precautions..."
Better article
Rattlesnake bite leads to death of 46-year-old woman in Thousand Oaks
"....A 46-year-old woman has died after being bitten by a rattlesnake in the Wildwood Regional Park area in Thousand Oaks, the Ventura Medical Examiner’s Office said.
The woman, who was bitten March 14, was one of two people to have recently received rattlesnake bites in the Thousand Oaks area...."
A 46-year-old woman has died after being bitten by a rattlesnake in the Wildwood Regional Park area in Thousand Oaks, the Ventura Medical Examiner’s Office said. The woman, who was bitten March 14, was one of two people to have recently received rattlesnake bites in the Thousand Oaks area. Ventura County firefighters also responded to the Wendy Trail <a href="https://www.toacorn.com/articles/rattlesnake-bite-leads-to-death-of-46-year-old-woman-in-thousand-oaks/">[…]</a>
AI6YR Ben
David J. Atkinson
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