Ventura County, in Southern California, has been seeing a lot of action lately. However, not the kind that they would like. This county just claimed its sixth rattlesnake bite victim in less than a month. Should residents be concerned?
Sixth Rattlesnake Bite In Less Than A Month
Image via Shutterstock
People Magazine shared some details about this latest incident. Apparently, the victim was an adult male, and he was bitten near the California State University Channel Islands campus. So far, his identity has not been released to the public. Additionally, the outlet shared that the victim was transported to a local hospital and appears to be in stable condition.
So far, he is faring better than some of the other victims from the area. PEOPLE shared that just a few weeks ago, "Gabriela Bautista died at 46 after being bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking at Wildwood Regional Park." Just a few short days after Bautista's attack, a teen girl was also bitten by a rattlesnake, fortunatley first responders were able to rescue that girl.
What makes this situation even more alarming is that not all hospitals carry rattlesnake anti-venom. With this being the sixth rattlesnake bite in less than a month, residents of the area are starting to feel slightly concerned.
How To Avoid Being Bitten
If you want to avoid a rattlesnake bite, then it is best to be prepared. First and foremost, you should know when and where you are most likely to see them. Although they can be found in just about every U.S. state, Popular Mechanics shared that "they are the most prevalent in the southwest." That is mainly because this species flourishes in hot and arid environments.
Additionally, you are most likely to encounter a rattlesnake between the months of April and October. During the daytime, they will be tricky to see as they will often be hiding. The outlet shared that they will "conceal themselves in rock crevices, logs, tall grass, bushes, shrubs, stacks of firewood, and really any nook they can find." Therefore, it is apparent to be alert and look; oftentimes, people step on a rattlesnake by mistake — a mistake which can turn deadly.
Finally, the outlet shares the following tips to help you avoid joining the growing list of rattlesnake bite victims in less than a month.
- Pay attention to word-of-mouth sightings in the area
- Always carry a charged cellphone and hike with at least one other person, so if the worst happens, you have help
- Always stick to the trail
- Do not stick your hands down holes or in between rocks without thoroughly looking first
- If you must walk through thick vegetation, whack it first, so if a snake is hiding, it can slither away
- Constantly be aware of your surroundings
- Wear appropriate attire (meaning over-the-ankle hiking boots and thick, high socks)
