An early-evening walk to pick flowers in Palos Verdes Estates turned scary on Friday when a woman was bitten by a rattlesnake in a natural hillside area, according to city officials. Officers reached her within minutes, provided first aid and stayed with her until paramedics arrived. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was reported to be in stable condition. In the aftermath, the city pushed out fresh safety reminders to residents and visitors.
As reported by CBS Los Angeles, the bite happened around 6 p.m. in the 3100 block of Paseo del Campo, and officers were on scene in less than three minutes to begin care. Authorities did not immediately release the victim's name.
Officials’ Safety Guidance
On social media, the City of Palos Verdes Estates urged people to “remain calm, limit movement, and call 911” if bitten, and reminded hikers to stay on established trails and keep pets leashed, according to posts cited by CBS Los Angeles. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife notes that most rattlesnake bites occur between April and October and offers detailed guidance for hikers, dog owners and homeowners who live or spend time in rattlesnake country.
Why Encounters Are Up This Spring
Rangers and forest officials say the warm, sunny spring has coaxed snakes out of their winter dens earlier than usual, prompting a U.S. Forest Service advisory that has been circulated locally. Southern California has already seen several serious cases this year, including a mountain biker who later died in Irvine and a hiker in the Thousand Oaks area who succumbed to injuries, according to local coverage by KESQ. NBC Los Angeles has also reported on recent rattlesnake-related deaths in the region.
If You’re Bitten
Medical experts and poison-control officials stress that if you are bitten by a rattlesnake, you should stay as calm as possible, limit movement and call 911 right away. They also advise contacting the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for real-time guidance.
The California Poison Control System warns against applying ice or heat, cutting the wound, trying to suck out venom or using a tourniquet. The recommended move is simple, if not glamorous: get to a hospital quickly for evaluation and possible antivenom.
.jpg){kind=link}