Rattlesnake Bites Surge in Southern California Amid Warm Spring
Southern California has experienced a notable increase in rattlesnake bites, with six incidents reported in Ventura County alone within the past month. This surge is attributed to unseasonably warm weather and heavy rains earlier in the year, which have brought snakes out earlier than usual. The California Poison Control System has reported 77 rattlesnake bite calls in the first three months of 2026, a significant uptick compared to typical annual figures. The warm temperatures, reaching 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C) in March, combined with increased rodent activity due to January and February rains, are believed to have contributed to this rise in snake encounters. 
