A 46-year-traditional woman from Moorpark is the second person to die from a rattlesnake bite on a Southern California hiking trail during a period of increased snake activity and unseasonably warm weather.
Recent Rattlesnake Incidents
Since March 14, the Ventura County Fire Department has responded to four reports of rattlesnake bites. This compares to a total of nine bites reported in all of 2025, according to department spokesperson Andrew Dowd.
On March 14, paramedics responded to a bite at Wildwood Park and transported the patient to a hospital. Gabriela Bautista died on March 19 as a result of rattlesnake venom toxicity. The following day, firefighters rescued a teenage girl from the Wendy Trail in Newbury Park after she was bitten by a snake. Firefighters used a wheeled stretcher to bring the girl to safety and transport her to a hospital in stable condition.
Two additional rattlesnake bites were reported in Thousand Oaks and Meiners Oaks. Earlier this month, on March 4, a 25-year-old man, Julian Hernandez, died in an Orange County hospital after being bitten on February 1 while hiking in Irvine.
Early Snake Activity
Rattlesnakes are typically most active in the spring and summer months, but appear to be emerging earlier this year due to the record-breaking heat in Southern California. The U.S. Forest Service in San Bernardino issued a warning on Wednesday advising visitors to stay alert and watch where they step.
According to a trail runner interviewed by The Times, he encountered a large rattlesnake on March 4, earlier in the year than he typically expects to see them.
Safety Recommendations
Andrew Dowd of the Ventura County Fire Department recommends hikers wear boots and long pants for protection. He also advises sticking to clearly marked paths and avoiding tall grass. If a hiker encounters a snake, they should back away slowly and avoid contact. Hikers should also notify someone where they are going, carry water, and ensure they have a charged phone or GPS device.
In the event of a rattlesnake bite, Dowd advises remaining calm, calling 911, and limiting movement. He cautions against using tourniquets or attempting to extract the venom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are rattlesnake bites?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes annually in the United States, with fewer than 10 deaths.
Where have the recent bites occurred?
Recent rattlesnake bites have been reported in Wildwood Park, the Wendy Trail in Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Meiners Oaks, and Quail Hill in Irvine.
What should you do if you encounter a rattlesnake?
Hikers should back away slowly and avoid contact with the snake, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.
As Southern California trails continue to attract hikers, will increased awareness and adherence to safety guidelines be enough to mitigate the risk of future incidents?
