CALIFORNIA
Woman bitten three times by snake is third Californian to die from snakebite this year

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By Karen Garcia
Staff Writer
Published April 21, 2026 Updated April 22, 2026 7:38 PM PT

A woman died this month after being bitten by a snake three times as she was taking a walk on rural property in the unincorporated Mendocino County community of Redwood Valley, officials say. ... The 78-year-old Northern California woman is the third person to die in California during an erratic snake season. On average, five people die nationwide from venomous snakebites annually, according to federal health officials.

An unseasonable weather pattern that included heavy rain and sweltering heat served as a signal for rattlesnakes to slither out of their underground winter burrows in search of food and mates. The warmer temperatures also spurred the state’s residents to head outdoors. When they hit the trails, it increased their chances of run-ins with snakes.

Although the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office did not provide information on the species of snake that caused the woman’s death, rattlesnakes are the only venomous snakes in the county, according to the county’s Resource Conservation District.

Rattlesnake activity began in earnest in March, a month ahead of the start of the peak season, which is typically from April to October. ... There were two snake-related fatalities and several reports of snakebites in the state last month.

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Karen Garcia
Karen Garcia is a breaking news reporter at the Los Angeles Times. She was previously a reporter on the Utility Journalism Team, which focused on service journalism. Her previous stints include reporting for the San Luis Obispo New Times and KCBX Central Coast Public Radio.