A 78-year-old woman in Mendocino County, California, died after being bitten three times by a snake while walking on her property, marking the third fatality from snake bites in the state this season. Federal health officials note that an average of five people die annually from venomous snake bites in the U.S. Unseasonable weather has led rattlesnakes to emerge early in search of food and mates.
The woman’s family took her to the hospital after the bites, but she succumbed two days later to injuries, with a preliminary cause of death tied to snake venom. Rattlesnakes, the only venomous snakes in California, are common in various regions, including the Mojave Desert and Central Valley.
Despite a rise in reported snake bites—77 cases in the first three months of 2026—fatal incidents remain rare, with around 8,000 bites and only about five fatalities yearly. To avoid encounters, experts advise sticking to designated trails, maintaining distance from snakes, and checking resting spots. In case of a bite, immediate medical attention is crucial.
Source link
