PCT hikers: Prepare for an unusually active rattlesnake season across California

doCalifornia is experiencing an unprecedented increase in rattlesnake activity following an unusually warm March, leading to a record number of encounters and two deaths last month in Southern California.

Experts are warning outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and desert regions, that traditional rattlesnake season has arrived a month earlier than expected.

Increased encounters and deaths

According to the California Poison Control System, 77 rattlesnake bites were recorded in the first three months of 2026 alone. To put that in perspective, the state typically averages between 200 and 300 stings for an entire year.

The increase in activity has already become tragic. In March, a 46-year-old woman in Ventura County and a 25-year-old man in Orange County died from rattlesnake bites in separate incidents. These two deaths in a single month are significant, considering that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only about five people die annually from venomous snake bites in the entire United States.

Emily Taylor, owner of Central Coast Snake Services and professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, told the LA Times that its relocation service has received 10 to 20 times the normal call volume for March.

The perfect storm for activity

Wildlife experts attribute this strange season to a combination of early winter rains and a record heat wave in March.

«Rattlesnakes use warm temperatures as a signal of when it’s time to come out,» Taylor told the LA Times. The first rains stimulated significant plant growth, which in turn boosted rodent populations. This abundance of prey, combined with temperatures reaching the 70s and 80s, has caused rattlesnakes to emerge early from their winter roosts to feed and search for mates.

Additionally, the same warm weather that activated the snakes has drawn more hikers to California trail systems earlier than usual, increasing the frequency of human-snake interactions.

Myths and behavior

Understanding rattlesnake behavior is the first step toward trail safety. Contrary to popular belief, a rattlesnake will not always vibrate before attacking; many rely entirely on their natural camouflage and can remain silent and motionless until a hiker is very close.

Although hikers should be careful, especially during this unusually active season, rattlesnakes are not inherently aggressive toward humans and, for the most part, just want to be left alone. Biting is generally their last line of defense if they feel threatened.

Trail Safety Guidelines

For those navigating the Pacific Crest Trail or other mountainous and low-lying areas, hikers should maintain at least three to four feet of space if they see a snake. In case of sighting, back away slowly without making sudden movements.

To minimize the risk of an accident, travelers should stay on designated paths and avoid tall grass, rock outcroppings or squirrel burrows. It is also essential to inspect the underside of logs or rocks before sitting down to rest. If a bite occurs, call 911 immediately.; Although approximately 8,000 venomous stings occur annually in the U.S., deaths remain rare when medical intervention is immediate.

As temperatures at lower elevations continue to rise, experts expect snake activity to shift toward the morning and afternoon hours to avoid the midday heat. For now, hikers should remain vigilant during all hours of the day.

Featured image: Connor Long

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