(NewsNation) — Southern California has seen a surge in rattlesnake bites, and unseasonably warm weather is believed to be behind the trend.
Officials in Ventura County have reported six snake-bite incidents — two of them fatal — so far this year. This number is already approaching the total for 2025.
The most recent emergency occurred Sunday at California State University in Camarillo. A man was near a vehicle when he was bitten in an accidental encounter. Paramedics rushed the victim to the hospital, where he was stabilized.
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Wildlife experts say unusually warm temperatures have triggered an exodus of snakes that were recently in a state of dormancy, or “brumation.”
Jay Brewer of California’s Reptile Zoo said snake bites typically occur when someone accidentally touches a snake or tries to kill one that they’ve encountered.
“They’re not out to get you. They’re not going to chase you down,” Brewer said of the species. “It’s going to be a mistake, more than likely, of you stepping on them and not even just walking by one.”
Brewer said people should be aware of their surroundings and avoid walking through brush this time of year. He said anyone who is bitten by a rattlesnake should stay calm and get to the hospital quickly for antivenom.
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