U.S. Forest Service Issues Southern California Rattlesnake Warning After Surge in Sightings and Fatal Bites
The U.S. Forest Service warned Southern California trail users after a surge in rattlesnake sightings and several recent fatal bites. Hikers and pet owners in San Bernardino National Forest and Ventura County should exercise extra caution immediately.
Key takeaways
- Rangers warn rattlesnake activity is increasing as temperatures rise — stay alert on trails (CBS Los Angeles, KESQ).
- Recent incidents include multiple hospitalizations and two confirmed fatal bites in Orange and Ventura counties (Los Angeles Times, CBS Los Angeles).
- Prevention & first aid: stay on trails, keep pets leashed, wear sturdy boots, and seek immediate medical care if bitten (CBS Los Angeles, KESQ).
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What the USFS said
On March 25 the San Bernardino National Forest rangers posted on social media:
“As temperatures rise, rattlesnakes become more active in the forest. Stay alert, watch where you step and keep pets close.”
The post advised giving snakes plenty of space, moving away calmly if you encounter one, and never touching or disturbing wildlife. Local coverage reiterated that guidance (CBS Los Angeles, KESQ).
Recent deadly and nonfatal bites
Several incidents since early 2026 have heightened concern:
- Ventura County: A 46-year-old woman, Gabriela Bautista of Moorpark, was bitten on March 14 while hiking at Wildwood Park and later died from “rattlesnake venom toxicity” on March 19 after being airlifted to a hospital. Ventura has reported multiple bites this month, with four reports so far in 2026 compared with nine for all of 2025 (Los Angeles Times, CBS Los Angeles).
- Orange County: A 25-year-old man, Julian Hernandez, died after a rattlesnake bite sustained on Feb. 1 in Quail Hill, Irvine; he died March 4, according to reports (CBS Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times).
- Riverside County: Earlier this month a hiker near a Moreno Valley trail was bitten and airlifted to a hospital; that person survived (CBS Los Angeles, KESQ).
Local outlets and agencies continue to track sightings as warm weather persists (VVNG).
Why sightings are rising now
Wildlife officials and forest rangers point to unseasonably warm, sunny weather this March. Elevated temperatures are driving snakes out of winter hiding spots earlier than usual, pushing them onto trails and into open areas as they hunt for food and mates. This shift has produced a spike in encounters across beach cities and inland canyons, with at least one reported sighting in Huntington Beach (Los Angeles Times, CBS Los Angeles, YouTube report).
Common snakes and behavior
Rangers identify common venomous species in Southern California as the Western Diamondback and the Southern Pacific rattlesnake. These snakes hide in tall grass, leaf piles, rocky crevices and shaded areas, and can strike using much of their body length — sometimes more than five feet — so keeping distance is critical (CBS Los Angeles, KESQ).
Rattlesnake safety hiking: prevention tips
The USFS and local agencies offer practical advice to reduce encounters — follow these steps:
- Stay on established trails and avoid tall grass, leaf piles and rocky areas where snakes hide (CBS Los Angeles).
- Watch where you step and place your hands, especially when climbing or scrambling (KESQ).
- Keep pets close and on a leash. Dogs are often bitten when exploring underbrush (CBS Los Angeles).
- Wear long pants and sturdy hiking boots to lower risk of leg bites (CBS Los Angeles).
- Keep at least six feet distance and give snakes space to move away (CBS Los Angeles, KESQ).
What to do if bitten — and what not to do
If someone is bitten, officials urge immediate medical attention. Call 911, describe your location clearly, and seek rapid transport to a hospital. While waiting for help:
- Keep the victim calm, still, and warm. Limit movement and keep the bitten area at or below heart level. Cover the wound with a clean, dry dressing (CBS Los Angeles, KESQ).
- Do not give the victim food or drink, do not apply ice, do not cut the wound, do not try to suck out the venom, and do not apply a tourniquet — these are contraindicated (CBS Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times).
- Watch for symptoms: puncture marks, swelling, severe pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, vision changes, sweating, drooling, numbness or tingling. Seek care even if symptoms seem mild (CBS Los Angeles).
Note: Some local reports mention field treatments like tourniquets, but official guidance aligns with standard emergency care that avoids cutting, suction or tourniquets. Follow emergency responders’ instructions (KESQ, CBS Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times).
Implications for the Inland Empire
The Inland Empire — including San Bernardino and Riverside counties — is central to these warnings. The 800,000-acre San Bernardino National Forest and many local preserves see heavy use this season; early snake activity can affect public safety, recreation, pets, and local outreach efforts.
- Public safety & emergency services: More snake encounters could increase 911 calls and demand for airlifts or ambulance runs; hospitals and emergency crews should prepare (CBS Los Angeles, KESQ).
- Recreation & tourism: Trail users may change plans; managers could add signage, temporarily close areas, or increase ranger patrols, affecting weekend traffic and recreation businesses (VVNG, CBS Los Angeles).
- Pets & families: Keep dogs on leashes and heed warnings — bites can become veterinary emergencies and cause emotional strain for owners (CBS Los Angeles).
- Local awareness: Increased sightings are an opportunity for county parks, schools and community groups to boost outreach about rattlesnake safety and first aid (KESQ, Los Angeles Times).
Local recommendation: Pay attention to USFS and county alerts, stay on well-used paths, carry a charged phone, know nearest hospital locations, and report snake sightings to rangers so managers can monitor hot spots (CBS Los Angeles, KESQ).
