Authorities say a woman died after being bitten three times by a snake earlier this month while she was walking on rural property in the unincorporated Mendocino County community of Redwood Valley.
A 78-year-old Northern California woman is the third person to die in California during the irregular snake season. According to federal health officials, an average of five people nationwide die from venomous snake bites each year.
The unseasonable weather pattern, which included heavy rains and intense heat, served as a signal for rattlesnakes to emerge from their underground winter burrows in search of food and mates. The hot temperatures also prompted residents of the state to go outside. When they hit the trails, their chances of encountering snakes increased.
Although the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office did not release information about the species of snake that caused the woman’s death, rattlesnakes are the only venomous snakes in the county, according to the county’s Resource Conservation District.
Rattlesnake activity began in March, a month before the start of the peak season, which typically lasts from April to October.
There were two snake-related deaths and several reports of snake bites in the state last month.
What we know about the latest death
After being bitten by the snake three times, the woman — whom authorities have not identified — was taken by family to a local hospital and treated, according to the Sheriff’s Office. But his health deteriorated.
According to sheriff’s officials, he died from his injuries and was pronounced dead at a hospital two days later.
A forensic pathologist conducted a postmortem examination as part of the sheriff’s investigation into the woman’s death.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, “the preliminary cause of death was believed to be intravascular coagulopathy and spread of snake venom from the snake bite.”
Types of Venomous Snakes in California
The rattlesnake is the state’s only native venomous snake, according to University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Common rattlesnakes in California include the Mojave, Northern Pacific, red, sidewinder, spotted, and western diamondback rattlesnakes.
Their bite, which injects toxins, is executed for two reasons: to subdue their prey and to defend themselves, according to California Poison Control System.
The six common rattlesnakes found in different areas of the state are:
- Mojave rattlesnakes can be found in the Mojave Desert.
- Northern Pacific rattlesnakes are found in the Central Valley.
- Red rattlesnakes live in the southwestern region of the state and the Baja Peninsula.
- Sidewinder, spotted, and western diamondback rattlesnakes can be found in the southeastern region of the state, primarily in the desert.
Encounter with snakes in California
Last month, the California Poison Control System reported 77 calls regarding rattlesnake bites in the first three months of 2026. On average, the agency reports 290 to 390 rattlesnake bites annually.
Earlier this month, rattlesnake bites were reported in Ventura County near Cal State Channel Islands’ campus. The victim suffered minor injuries.
Most recently, in Los Angeles County, a non-fatal snake bite occurred in Palos Verdes Estates on April 18, when a woman was picking flowers in the Paseo del Campo open space, according to Palos Verdes Estates Police Department.
Despite the increase in rattlesnake bites, fatal rattlesnake bites are a rare occurrence. About 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes each year, and only one in five of those bitten usually die, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Look for rattlesnakes, don’t panic
The best way to avoid rattlesnakes is to stay on a designated path and be aware of where you are stepping.
If you see a rattlesnake in the wild, experts say the best thing you can do is put distance between you and it. Back away from the snake slowly.
“Give rattlesnakes at least three to four feet of space, and more room for larger individuals,” said Greg Pauley, curator of herpetology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. “Keep your distance, take some photos to add to a community science platform like iNaturalist, and then let yourself and the snake continue their journey.”
While hiking, if you need to rest on a log or rock, be sure to inspect it before taking a seat – it could be a snake’s resting place.
If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, experts say call 911 immediately and the California Poison Control System hot line at (800) 222-1222 for additional advice.
