It’s rattlesnake season out west, and in southern California, two people have died in the past month after a bite from one of these venomous snakes. The latest victim is Gabriela Bautista, 46, who was hiking at Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks when a rattlesnake bit her. The other victim was a 25-year-old man who was mountain biking in Irvine.
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According to local news, a rattlesnake bit Bautista on March 14, and authorities airlifted her to the Los Robles Regional Medical Center. Sadly, she died several days later.
[RELATED: Young Mountain Biker Dies After Being Bitten by Rattlesnake]
If you or someone else suspects a rattlesnake bite, have the victim stay as calm and as still possible (once you’re away from the snake, of course). Call 9-1-1 immediately.
Two fatalities in one month in the same region is a grim reminder that venomous snake bites are a real hazard when hiking in snake territory. Stay on the trail when hiking, listen for signs of wildlife nearby, and never approach a rattlesnake.
See local news’ report about the latest death from a rattlesnake bite in California here.
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