A second hiker has died in Southern California this month from a rattlesnake bite, prompting renewed warnings from authorities about increased snake activity amid unseasonably warm weather. Gabriela Bautista, 46, of Moorpark, succumbed to venom toxicity on March 19, days after being bitten on a trail at Wildwood Park in Ventura County. This follows the death of Julian Hernandez, 25, in Orange County on March 4, after a bite sustained while hiking on Quail Hill in Irvine. The incidents highlight a concerning trend as rattlesnakes emerge earlier than usual due to the region’s record-breaking temperatures.
The Ventura County Fire Department has responded to four rattlesnake bite reports since March 14, a significant increase compared to the nine total bites recorded throughout all of 2025, according to department spokesperson Andrew Dowd. On March 15, the department successfully rescued a teenage girl from the Wendy Trail in Newbury Park after she was also bitten. Firefighters used a specialized wheeled stretcher to bring her down from the trail and transport her to a hospital in stable condition. Two additional bite incidents were reported in Thousand Oaks and Meiners Oaks.
Unusual Warmth Linked to Early Snake Activity
Experts believe the unusually warm temperatures are a key factor in the increased rattlesnake activity. March 2026 has been the hottest March on record for Southern California, according to the Los Angeles Times. Rattlesnakes, typically most active in the spring and summer months, are being drawn out of hibernation earlier than normal, increasing the potential for encounters with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The U.S. Forest Service in San Bernardino County issued a safety alert on Wednesday, advising visitors to be vigilant while recreating in the forest. “As temperatures rise, rattlesnakes develop into more active in the forest,” the department stated in a Facebook post. “Stay alert, watch where you step, and keep pets close.”
Understanding the Risks and Symptoms
Rattlesnake bites, while frightening, are rarely fatal in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes annually, with fewer than 10 resulting in death. However, bites can cause significant pain, swelling, and tissue damage.
Greg Hardesty, a longtime trail runner in Orange County, recounted encountering a large rattlesnake on March 4, much earlier in the year than he typically expects to notice them. “When I run on trails, I’m always looking at the ground because the trails are rocky and you can fall easily,” Hardesty told the Los Angeles Times. “That’s when I saw a large snake that looked like a baseball bat at first.”
Safety Precautions for Hikers
Andrew Dowd of the Ventura County Fire Department, an avid hiker himself, emphasized the importance of taking precautions while enjoying the region’s trails. “The first is to wear hiking boots and long pants so that, should there be an encounter, that can hopefully provide some protection against a rattlesnake,” he said. “The second is to hike on clearly marked paths where you can see in front of you, so that you can avoid snakes.”
Dowd strongly advised against venturing into areas of tall grass or dense brush where snakes could be concealed. If a hiker encounters a rattlesnake, the best course of action is to back away slowly and avoid any contact. He also reiterated the importance of informing someone of your hiking plans, carrying plenty of water, and ensuring a fully charged phone or GPS device.
What to Do If Bitten
In the event of a rattlesnake bite, Dowd stressed the importance of remaining calm and calling 911 immediately. “The general recommendation is to avoid the use of tourniquets, to avoid trying to extract the venom, to communicate with anyone nearby and know that responders are on the way,” he explained. Medical professionals will administer antivenom if deemed necessary.
The recent fatalities serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of hiking in rattlesnake country. Authorities are urging hikers to be extra cautious and aware of their surroundings as the warmer weather continues. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Gabriela Bautista’s death, and further details may be released as the investigation progresses. Updates regarding rattlesnake activity and safety advisories will be posted on the Ventura County Fire Department’s website and social media channels.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about rattlesnake bites and safety precautions. It is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, seek immediate medical attention.
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