U.S. Forest Service Issues Southern California Rattlesnake Warning after Two Fatal Bites; Rangers Urge Caution in San Bernardino National Forest
Southern California officials urged caution March 25, 2026, after multiple aggressive rattlesnake encounters and two recent fatal bites. The U.S. Forest Service warned increased snake activity in San Bernardino National Forest as temperatures rise this week.
- USFS San Bernardino National Forest social media posted an advisory March 25, 2026, urging vigilance as rattlesnakes become more active.
- Two recent fatalities were reported in Orange County and Ventura County; reporting includes Los Angeles Times and ABC7.
- Unseasonably warm March weather is the primary driver of earlier-than-normal snake activity, according to local reporting.
- Safety guidance from rangers emphasizes staying on trails, keeping pets close, and carrying communications and first-aid supplies.
Early spring activity and the USFS advisory
Rangers in the San Bernardino National Forest report a noticeable uptick in rattlesnake sightings as temperatures climb across the roughly 800,000-acre forest. USFS personnel warned snakes can strike up to their full body length — in some cases more than 5 feet. The advisory was posted in response to multiple recent bites and deaths around Southern California, and it has been amplified by local fire and park departments.
Read the advisory reported by local news: USFS San Bernardino National Forest social media.
Recent incidents: where and what happened
Ventura County: Gabriela Bautista, 46, of Moorpark was bitten while hiking in Wildwood Regional Park on March 14 and died March 19 from “rattlesnake venom toxicity in an accidental manner,” according to local reporting. See coverage from ABC7 and the Los Angeles Times.
Orange County: A 25-year-old man, Julian Hernandez, died March 4 from complications after a February 1 rattlesnake bite sustained while mountain biking near Quail Hill in Irvine.
Riverside County: A hiker near Moreno Valley was bitten early in March, airlifted to a hospital and survived; local coverage includes KESQ and CBS Los Angeles.
Additional reported bites include a teenage girl on the Wendy Trail in Newbury Park and incidents in Thousand Oaks and Meiners Oaks; agencies continue to track and report encounters as they occur.
“Stay alert, watch where you step and keep pets close.” — USFS San Bernardino National Forest advisory (reported by local news)
Why snake activity is up
Wildlife experts note rattlesnakes are ectothermic (cold-blooded) and become active when ambient temperatures rise. This year’s unseasonably warm March and record-high days have drawn snakes from shaded or underground hiding spots earlier than normal to hunt, mate and bask.
California hosts seven rattlesnake species, including the Southern Pacific and the Western Diamondback, identifiable by diamond-shaped markings and a rattle on the tail. Despite the cluster of recent severe incidents, experts emphasize bites remain rare: the U.S. averages about 7,000–8,000 venomous snakebites per year and roughly five deaths nationally.
San Bernardino National Forest safety measures
USFS rangers and local park agencies recommend the following precautions for hikers, bikers and trail users:
- Stay on marked trails and avoid tall grass, leaf piles and rock crevices where snakes hide (KESQ; CBS Los Angeles).
- Watch where you step and place your hands; keep at least 6 feet of distance from any rattlesnake.
- Keep pets leashed and close; snakes frequently bite animals.
- Wear long pants and sturdy boots to reduce lower-leg exposure to bites.
If bitten: remain calm and call 911 immediately. Keep the injured limb immobilized and lower than heart level if possible. Do not attempt to suck out venom, apply a tourniquet, ice, or tight bandages; these actions can worsen injury. Know the nearest route to emergency care and carry a charged phone or satellite device when hiking remote trails.
Implications for Los Angeles, California
Economic: A heightened rattlesnake warning and media coverage of fatal bites could reduce visits to parks and trails, affecting small businesses that serve hikers, bikers and tourists.
Political: Local leaders and land managers may face pressure to expand outreach, fund signage and increase patrols in high-use areas.
Social and cultural: Families and pet owners may change recreation habits; outdoor-recreation advocates will likely push for balanced messaging that keeps trails open while improving safety.
Practical advice for residents: pack a first-aid kit, wear protective footwear, keep dogs leashed, check trail alerts before heading out, and share rattlesnake prevention tips with friends and family.
For trail managers and local officials
- Consider increased signage at trailheads and high-traffic areas with clear, plain-language safety steps.
- Expand outreach through community centers, schools and social media in multiple languages.
- Coordinate between county fire departments, park services and USFS rangers to track bite reports and direct medical resources to hotspots.
Additional resources
Official advisories and local reporting:
- USFS San Bernardino National Forest social media advisory and guidance (reported by local news)
- KESQ — local incident reporting
- Los Angeles Times — coverage of fatalities and context
- ABC7 — reporting on multiple incidents
- VVNG — regional updates and local context
Sources and reporting
This report compiles official statements and local news coverage. Key sources include USFS San Bernardino National Forest social media and CBS Los Angeles reporting, KESQ, Los Angeles Times, ABC7 and VVNG.
Reporting compiled from USFS advisories and local news coverage.
