California Woman Dies After Snake Bites Her 3 Times

A walk on private land in Northern California turned fatal for an elderly woman after a snake encounter earlier this month, according to county officials.

Authorities in Mendocino County said the 78-year-old woman, whose name has not been released, was bitten multiple times during the April 8 incident in Redwood Valley. Family members transported her to a nearby hospital, but she died two days later. A forensic examination determined her death resulted from complications tied to venom from the bites.

Officials did not identify the species involved, though rattlesnakes are the only venomous snakes native to California.

The death marks the third fatal snakebite in the state this year, an unusually high number. Nationwide, the United States typically records around five snakebite deaths annually out of roughly 8,000 venomous encounters, according to federal health data. California generally sees about one deadly rattlesnake bite per year.

Experts point to shifting weather patterns as a possible factor. A period of heavy rainfall followed by rising temperatures has drawn snakes out earlier in the season and increased their activity, coinciding with more people spending time outdoors. In the first three months of 2026 alone, California reported 77 calls related to rattlesnake bites.

Specialists advise taking precautions when outside, including staying on designated paths, being mindful of where you step or sit, keeping a safe distance from snakes, and seeking emergency help immediately if bitten.

In a separate incident over the weekend, a woman in Palos Verdes Estates in Southern California was bitten by a rattlesnake while picking flowers. She was hospitalized and listed in stable condition.