A California woman has died after a rattlesnake bite during a hike turned deadly days later, in a tragedy that is putting fresh attention on a recent string of snake attacks across Southern California.
Gabriela Bautista, 46, was bitten while hiking at Wildwood Regional Park in Ventura County on March 14, just before noon. Bautista, a resident of Moorpark, was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment, but she died five days later, on March 19.
Officials confirmed that her cause of death was rattlesnake venom toxicity.
The heartbreaking case has shaken local hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, especially because it wasn’t an isolated incident.
Around the same time, a teenage girl was also bitten by a rattlesnake in the same general area near Thousand Oaks. That incident happened on the evening of March 20 near the Wendy Drive trailhead, after the girl reportedly fell off her bike. Firefighters hiked into the area to rescue her, and she was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
There was another recent deadly bite in Southern California as well.
Earlier this year, Julian Hernandez was mountain biking on the Quail Hill Trailhead in Orange County when he was bitten by a rattlesnake. He tried to bike to safety, but the venom quickly took over. He was rushed to the hospital, later fell into a coma, and died on March 4.
With multiple cases happening so close together, concern is growing.
According to officials, Ventura County Fire has received four reports of rattlesnake bites since March 14 alone. The county has recorded nine total rattlesnake bites in 2025 so far.
Experts warn that if a venomous snake bites you, every minute matters.
Rattlesnakes are often identified by their triangular heads, spotted bodies, and distinctive markings. Medical experts say the most important thing to do after a bite is get to a hospital immediately for evaluation and possible antivenom treatment.
In other words, don’t waste time trying home remedies or treating it yourself in the field.
