Southern California rattlesnake surge: Hiker rescued in Montecito as attacks rise
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Rattlesnakes on Southern California hiking trails
Fire officials report four bites since mid-March alone—a significant spike compared to the nine total bites recorded in all of 2025.
LOS ANGELES - An early and aggressive rattlesnake season is rattling Southern California, highlighted by the Sunday rescue of a hiker on the Buena Vista Trail in Montecito.
Emergency crews utilized whistle signals and text-to-911 technology to locate the victim as wildlife experts warn that record heat is driving venomous snakes into frequent contact with the public.
What we know:
On April 12, just after 3:30 p.m., Montecito Fire responded to the Buena Vista Trail after a female hiker reported she was bitten on the ankle approximately three-quarters of a mile up the trail.
Lacking sufficient cell service for a voice call, she texted a loved one who alerted authorities.
Dispatchers instructed her to blow a whistle repeatedly, allowing Montecito firefighters and Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue to locate her.
She was evacuated via a stokes basket and transported to a hospital by AMR ambulance.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- 6th rattlesnake bite in 30 days triggers safety warning in Ventura County
- 2nd rattlesnake bite death reported in Southern California amid early spring surge
- Rattlesnake encounters increase as warmer weather brings more snakes to surface
- 25-year-old OC man dies after rattlesnake bite
This follows a separate incident in Camarillo on April 5, where a man was bitten near a vehicle near the CSU Channel Islands campus.
He was intercepted by Ventura County fire crews at the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and Lewis Road and remains in stable condition.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Rattlesnake encounters increase amid warm weather
Rattlesnake encounters increase as warmer weather brings more snakes to surface
Timeline:
February 1, 2026: Julian Enrique Hernandez, 25, is bitten while mountain biking in Irvine. He tragically passed away on March 4.
March 14, 2026: Gabriela Bautista, 46, is bitten in Wildwood Regional Park; she passed away five days later.
March 14 – April 4, 2026: Three additional non-fatal bites are reported across the region.
April 5, 2026: A man is bitten in Camarillo and intercepted by paramedics at Pleasant Valley and Lewis Road.
April 12, 2026: A female hiker is rescued from the Buena Vista Trail in Montecito.
What they're saying:
First responders emphasized the importance of alternative communication in the backcountry.
"If you are unable to reach 911 by phone, try text-to-911 or use satellite connectivity if available," Montecito Fire officials advised.
Wildlife experts added that the "record-breaking heat wave currently roasting Southern California has pushed rattlesnake season into high gear earlier than usual," noting that snakes are increasingly drawn to paved surfaces to regulate their body temperature.
What you can do:
- Give Space: If you encounter a rattlesnake, back away slowly. Most bites occur when a person tries to move or kill the snake.
- Stay Calm: If bitten, limit movement to slow the spread of venom and call 911 immediately.
- Carry a Whistle: As seen in the Buena Vista rescue, a whistle can be vital for signaling rescuers when cell service is spotty.
- Know Your Location: Having GPS coordinates or specific trail names ready can significantly improve response times.
The Source: This report is based on information provided by the Montecito Fire Department and the Ventura County Fire Department, as well as previous FOX 11 reports.