CALIFORNIA SEES UNUSUAL SPIKE IN RATTLESNAKE BITES, INCLUDING 3 DEATHS IN 2026

Poison Control Officials Warn of Earlier and Increased Snake Encounters Across the State

While rattlesnakes are active year-round in California, experts say sightings and dangerous encounters are occurring earlier and more frequently than usual in 2026. California Poison Control System (CPCS) has already received 77 calls related to rattlesnake encounters this year and marks a significant early-season increase considering CPCS typically receives about 200 rattlesnake-related calls annually.

“Three encounters have been fatal that we’re aware of so far this year, which is highly unusual and deeply concerning,” says Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. He adds that California typically sees about one rattlesnake-related death annually, while nationwide there are usually between five and 10. “The number of bites and fatalities this early in the year underscores the importance of awareness and prevention.”

Although rattlesnakes generally avoid humans, accidental encounters can happen during warmer weather and outdoor activities. CPCS recommends taking the following precautions to reduce the risk of a dangerous encounter.

Avoid Being Bitten 

• Stay alert and carry a fully charged mobile phone.
• Hike with a buddy and let people know where you plan to hike and how long you will be gone.
• Stick to clear trails.
• Keep away from tall grass and other dense brush or vegetation.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots and long pants.
• Carefully inspect logs or rocks before sitting on them; rattlers have excellent camouflage so you could be next to one and not even know it.
• Watch where you put your hands and feet; don’t put them where you can’t see them.
• Don’t wear earphones; rattlesnakes often, but not always, make a rattling sound in warning (click here to hear what it sounds like).
• Treat an unusual faint buzz or hiss as a potential rattlesnake warning until you confirm it isn’t.
• If you do encounter a rattler, back away slowly and turn around, or, if possible, give the snake some space—it is lightning fast and can strike from one-third to one-half of its body length.

If, despite your best efforts, you, someone else, or your pet are bitten by a rattler there are some important things you should do.

Do This If Bitten 

• Call 911 immediately and get to a hospital as quickly as possible.
• Call the Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for additional advice.
• Try to stay as calm as possible; don’t panic.
• Restrict your movement(s) and don’t run.
• Remove constricting items or jewelry, such as rings, because the affected area may swell.
• Don’t apply ice or heat to the bite.
• Don’t use a tourniquet or other constricting band.
• Don’t try to suck out the venom, and don’t use any device to cut or slice the bite site.
• If your pet is bitten, contact your veterinarian. Many now carry rattlesnake anti-venom and vaccines for dogs and other pets.

Remember: severe or even life-threatening symptoms may occur within minutes or even a couple of hours after a rattlesnake bite.

“Rattlesnakes are important to the ecosystem and while they, even newborn or baby rattlesnakes, can be dangerous if they feel threatened, just remember that they want to avoid us as much as we want to avoid them,” says Dr. Vohra.

To learn more about rattlesnake safety, visit the CPCS website and see these CPCS videos: English and Spanish.