A 78-year-old Northern California woman died on April 8 after being bitten multiple times by a venomous snake, marking the third snakebite fatality in the state this year.
This year's three deaths significantly exceed California's typical average of one snakebite fatality per year, with previous incidents involving a mountain biker and a hiker.
The California Poison Control System has already recorded approximately 70 rattlesnake bites in the first three months of 2026, a notable increase compared to the usual annual total of 300-350 cases.
Experts suggest that unseasonably warm weather, including an early March heatwave, has caused rattlesnakes to emerge from hibernation earlier and increased human outdoor activity, leading to more encounters.
Medical professionals emphasize seeking immediate hospital care for snakebites, as antivenom is the most effective treatment, and caution against ineffective first-aid methods.
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