The Ventura County Fire Department is urging caution after a seventh rattlesnake bite was reported in just over a month. On Thursday, a woman was bitten while hiking on the Long Canyon Trail in Simi Valley’s Wood Ranch community.
Fire officials responded with air and ground units, and the woman was flown to Los Robles Regional Medical Center for anti-venom treatment, where she remains in stable condition.
According to Ventura County Fire Department Public Information Officer Andrew Dowd, there has been a noticeable increase in rattlesnake activity and bites compared to last year. “We want to be prepared for all contingencies, and we want the public to be prepared as well,” Dowd said. The recent incident follows a series of bites, including the tragic death of Gabriela Bautista, a 46-year-old hiker who died after being bitten in Thousand Oaks.
Experts attribute the surge in sightings and bites to recent heat waves, which have brought rattlesnakes out earlier than usual. Simi Valley mountain biker Don Hemphill noted an increase in sightings, even in high-traffic areas. “They’re usually sunning themselves on the trail,” Hemphill told KTLA.
Authorities advise hikers to wear long pants, proper boots, and gaiters, stay on designated trails, avoid dense vegetation, and watch where they step. In the event of a bite, it’s crucial to stay calm, limit movement, and seek immediate medical attention by calling 911. Medical experts warn against attempting to suck out the venom, using a tourniquet, or applying ice to the bite.
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