U.S. Forest Service warns of surge in rattlesnake activity after two deadly bites — hikers urged to take precautions
San Bernardino County, California (Our Hesperia) – The U.S. Forest Service issued an urgent warning March 25, 2026, after two recent fatal rattlesnake bites and numerous encounters in Southern California, blaming record March heat that has brought snakes out earlier than usual.
Key takeaways
- USFS alert: San Bernardino National Forest warned hikers that rising temperatures are increasing rattlesnake activity; stay alert and keep pets close (Los Angeles Times).
- Recent fatalities: Two deaths in Orange and Ventura counties in Feb.–Mar. 2026 have heightened concerns and prompted public warnings (Los Angeles Times; CBS Los Angeles).
- Weather link: Record March heat is driving earlier-than-normal snake activity across Southern California (KESQ).
- Prevention matters: Officials urge staying on trails, watching where you step, leashing pets and seeking immediate medical care for bites.
Key information
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) San Bernardino National Forest posted a social media warning:
“As temperatures rise, rattlesnakes become more active in the forest. Stay alert, watch where you step and keep pets close.” — Los Angeles Times
Recent incidents and reported encounters
Southern California has seen a marked spike in rattlesnake sightings and bites during this early warm spell. Investigative reporting links several incidents to the same unusually warm March conditions.
Ventura County
Fatality: A 46-year-old woman, Gabriela Bautista of Moorpark, died after a rattlesnake bite sustained March 14 at Wildwood Park; she was airlifted and later died of venom toxicity. Ventura County reported four bites since March 14 in locations including Wildwood Park, Thousand Oaks and Meiners Oaks — nearly half of the county’s total for all of 2025 (Los Angeles Times).
Orange County
Fatality: Julian Hernandez, 25, died from a rattlesnake bite that occurred Feb. 1 on Quail Hill in Irvine while mountain biking or hiking; the death was confirmed in early March and is one of two recent fatal bites drawing renewed attention (Los Angeles Times; CBS Los Angeles).
Riverside County
Hikers reported encounters near Moreno Valley; at least one person was bitten and airlifted to a hospital in early March and survived, according to local reporting (CBS Los Angeles; KESQ).
Other counties have logged earlier-than-usual sightings, including beach and urban greenbelt reports in Huntington Beach. A short video captured a recent Huntington Beach sighting (Video report of local sightings).
Why rattlesnake encounters are increasing
USFS officials point to weather as the primary driver: warmer, sunnier March conditions are prompting snakes to emerge from winter shelters earlier than normal and move into areas where people hike, bike and camp.
San Bernardino National Forest covers roughly 800,000 acres across Riverside and San Bernardino counties; rangers say record March heat and abnormally sunny conditions are bringing snakes into popular recreation areas (Los Angeles Times; CBS Los Angeles; KESQ).
Rattlesnakes can strike roughly the length of their body, hide in shade, tall grass, leaf litter and near water, and while many species hunt at dawn and dusk they can be active during warm days and even swim. Common local species include the Western diamondback and Southern Pacific rattlesnakes, often identified by diamond-shaped heads, blotched markings and a rattling tail (CBS Los Angeles).
Rattlesnake bite prevention tips
USFS officials and emergency responders recommend simple, practical steps to reduce risk:
- Stay on marked trails: Avoid shortcuts through tall grass, rock piles and leaf litter where snakes hide (Los Angeles Times).
- Watch where you step and place your hands: Especially when climbing over rocks or lifting logs (Los Angeles Times; CBS Los Angeles).
- Keep pets close and on a leash: Dogs can provoke snakes and suffer severe bites while off-leash (USFS social post cited in Los Angeles Times).
- Wear long pants and sturdy boots: Thick boots and long pants help limit bites to the ankle or lower leg (KESQ).
- Give snakes space: If you see a rattlesnake, give it at least 6 feet of space; back away slowly and do not attempt to touch, capture, tease or kill the animal (CBS Los Angeles; Los Angeles Times).
What to do if someone is bitten
Officials emphasize that quick, calm action and immediate medical care are crucial:
- Call 911 immediately: Get the victim to emergency care quickly; antivenom and supportive treatment are available (CBS Los Angeles).
- Keep the victim calm and still: Slow venom spread; keep the bitten limb below heart level if possible and cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
- Do not: use tourniquets, try to suck out venom, cut the wound, or give food/drink if surgery or sedation may be needed (Los Angeles Times; CBS Los Angeles).
- Watch for symptoms: swelling, severe pain, nausea, breathing trouble, numbness or fainting and report them to EMS (CBS Los Angeles).
Reporting sightings and public awareness
Rangers and local officials urge the public to report sightings and bites to help track activity and to warn others. Social media posts by the San Bernardino National Forest and local news outlets have been used to alert the public quickly (VVNG; KESQ; Los Angeles Times).
Implications for Hesperia, California
Economic impact
Local outdoor businesses and guide services around Hesperia and the High Desert may see fewer casual visitors if people avoid trails. While trail closures are not widespread, increased caution can reduce weekend trailhead traffic and affect small retailers selling gear, water and snacks.
Political consequences
Expect calls for clear signage, better trail maintenance and coordinated local awareness campaigns rather than broad restrictions. City leaders and county supervisors may face pressure to coordinate with the USFS and state parks on public safety messaging.
Social effects
Families may shorten hikes, stick to daytime use and enforce stricter pet rules. Community groups leading hikes or youth programs may update safety briefings and adjust scheduling during peak snake activity.
Cultural relevance
Outdoor life is central to High Desert culture. Emphasizing preparedness, respect for wildlife and practical self-reliance—carry water, tell someone your route, bring a charged phone—aligns with local values.
Practical applications for residents
Hesperia residents should heed regional warnings: avoid off-trail shortcuts on nearby BLM lands and open spaces, leash pets, wear boots on rocky slopes, keep a charged phone and first-aid kit in vehicles, hike with a partner and inform someone of your route and expected return time.
Sources and further reading
- Los Angeles Times: Second fatal rattlesnake bite on Southern California hiking trail, March 25, 2026
- CBS Los Angeles: Southern California rattlesnake bites prompt USFS warning
- KESQ: Forest Service warns outdoor enthusiasts to watch for rattlesnakes
- VVNG: San Bernardino National Forest warns visitors of active rattlesnakes as temperatures climb
- Video report of local sightings
Reporting compiled from Our Hesperia reporting and local news sources.
