Snake bite kills California woman. What to do (and not do) to stay safe

A 78-year-old Northern California woman died after being bitten by a venomous snake, news reports said.

The woman was bitten three times by a snake in Redwood Valley and taken to a Ukiah hospital on April 8, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office told San Francisco TV station KRON. The woman died two days later.

The woman’s death was caused by blood clotting issues and snake venom, The Mendocino Voice reported.

A mountain biker in Orange County bitten by a rattlesnake died in February, The Sacramento Bee reported at the time.

In March, a hiker died as the result of a rattlesnake bite in Ventura County, The Bee previously reported. At that point, it was the sixth rattlesnake bite in the county in 2026.

While Mendocino County authorities did not specify what kind of snake bit the Redwood Valley woman, all venomous snakes in California are rattlesnakes, according to California wildlife officials.

Redwood Valley is about 140 miles northwest of Sacramento

Here’s what you need to know about rattlesnake safety:

What should I do if I get bitten by a rattlesnake?

What to do

If you’re bitten by a rattlesnake, here’s what to do, according to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife:

• Stay calm to slow the spread of the venom
• Try to remember the color and shape of the snake for later treatment
• Dial 911 and seek medical attention as soon as possible

If you can’t get to the hospital right away, lay or sit down with the bite below the level of your heart. Then wash the wound with warm, soapy water and cover it with clean, dry material.

What not to do

Here’s what not to do, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Do not pick up the snake or try to trap it
• Do not apply a tourniquet (material used to prevent blood flow)
• Do not slash the wound with a knife
• Do not suck out the venom
• Do not apply ice or soak the wound in water
• Do not drink alcohol
• Do not drink caffeine

How to identify rattlesnakes

Seven different species of rattlesnake can be found across California.

The most common is the western rattlesnake, which can be found from sea level to elevations of 7,000 feet, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Rattlesnakes can be recognized by the distinct sound their rattles make.

The snakes can, however, lose their rattles or simply decide not to use them.

In that case, you can identify the reptiles by their gray or light brown exteriors and triangular-shaped heads. They usually range between 2 feet and 4 feet in length and can easily camouflage themselves to match their surroundings.

The reptiles typically hang out under rocks, logs and woodpiles, according to the National Park Service.

Once a snake is ready to raise its body temperature, it will move into sight.

Are rattlesnakes aggressive?

While most snake bites occur when the animal is handled or accidentally touched, remember you are not their prey.

“Rattlesnakes aren’t aggressive to humans unless threatened or frightened,” Stephen Nett, a Bodega Bay-based naturalist, wrote on Sonoma County Regional Park’s blog.

The snakes are typically shy around bigger animals and instead feed on mice and other rodents.

They will rattle if they sense prey and try to escape.

Let them do so.

A rattlesnake can strike as far as two-thirds of its body length. Remain at least 10 steps away from it, or as far as possible, if you encounter one on a trail.

If you do get bit, chances are the wound will be on your hand, foot or ankle, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

How can I avoid rattlesnakes while outdoors?

Here are the USDA’s tips to avoid rattlesnakes while outdoors:

Prepare for your hike

• Wear over-the-ankle boots, thick socks and loose-fitting long pants.
• Don’t go barefoot or use sandals

While on your trip

• Stick to well-used trails when exploring
• Avoid walking through tall grass and weeds
• Watch where you step
• Avoid wandering in the dark
• When going over fallen trees or large rocks, inspect the surrounding areas to make sure there are no snakes
• Be cautious when climbing rocks or gathering firewood
• Shake out sleeping bags before using them and inspect logs before sitting down

Other tips

• Avoid grabbing sticks and branches while swimming in lakes and rivers, snakes can swim and can sometimes pass for sticks
• Avoid approaching any snake. Even a freshly killed snake can still inject venom

What should I do if my dog gets bitten?

Take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Rattlesnake bite symptoms include puncture wounds, swelling, bleeding, pain, agitation or depression, according to UC Davis.

If your dog gets bitten in a remote location where a vet may not be nearby be sure to rinse the wound and reduce blood flow to the area.

The Bee’s Brianna Taylor and Jacqueline Pinedo contributed to this report.

This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 9:28 AM with the headline "Snake bite kills California woman. What to do (and not do) to stay safe."