Rattlesnake bites rise in California; Fresno County vets urge caution for pets

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Rattlesnake bites are rising across California this year, and Fresno County is seeing the impact as pets and people encounter the snakes earlier and more often.

In Prather, Tim Adams said he has noticed more rattlesnakes than usual in the foothills where he has lived for more than 20 years. “I’ve seen a lot more snakes this year dead on the road and have in 20 years,” Adams said.

Adams said his family’s dog, Duke, was bitten on the nose. “My wife called me and told me the dog got bit by a snake and got bit on the nose,” he said. Adams said two more dogs in his neighborhood were bitten within a week. “We then got a notification from our neighbors on Sunday their dog got bit by a rattlesnake and then Monday their son’s dog got bit by a rattlesnake,” Adams said.

Rattlesnake bites rise in California; Fresno County vets urge caution for pets

Rattlesnake bites have not only affected pets. According to beaconbio.org, three people have already died from snake bites in California this year alone, compared with a statewide average of about one death from a rattlesnake per year.

A biology professor who is also the owner of Central Coast Snake Services, Emily Taylor said spring typically brings an increase in rattlesnake activity. “Every spring we have an increase in rattlesnake activity as they start to come out of hibernation and they’re looking for food and mates,” Taylor said. The professor said this year’s activity started earlier than usual. “This year we had a really early spring where they all started coming out in March as opposed to usually April,” Taylor said.

Adams said he took Duke to the vet for treatment and that the dog has fully recovered. He said his family is now taking extra precautions before letting Duke outside. “My wife goes out before she lets him out and with a flashlight look around for us in all the corners where they’d be hiding and then let him out,” Adams said.

The cost of treatment can be significant. Adams said he paid $1,700 for antivenom for his dog.

Snake attacks are more common in May and July, making it important to stay alert for rattlesnakes and seek veterinary care quickly if a pet shows intense swelling after a suspected bite.