A black jaguar named Samba at Project Survival's Cat Haven, a wild cat conservation facility in Dunlap, California, has died following a venomous snake bite. The 14-year-old jaguar, born at the sanctuary, was rushed for emergency veterinary care after staff noticed swelling in one leg. Despite receiving antivenom and showing signs of recovery, Samba died during the recovery process. Her death has drawn wider attention as California faces an unusually active rattlesnake season. Here's what happened, and what it says about the risks animals and people are facing this year. Staff at the sanctuary say the risk extends beyond big cats, and that pets, livestock, and people in snake country should take extra precautions while the rattlesnake season stays this active.
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