Unseasonably warm weather patterns are contributing to a surge in rattlesnake activity, increasing the potential for encounters with humans, according to experts.

Increased Rattlesnake Sightings Reported

Emily Taylor, owner of Central Coast Snake Services and director of the Physiological Ecology of Reptiles Laboratory at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, reported a significant increase in rattlesnake-related calls last month. Her phone was 'ringing off the hook,' with reports coming from all over the state.

In March alone, two fatalities occurred in Southern California due to rattlesnake bites: a 46-year-old woman from Ventura County and a 25-year-old man in Orange County. Nationally, approximately five people die from rattlesnake bites annually.

Bite Incident Statistics

  • Ventura County reported four bite incidents since March 14, compared to nine in all of 2025.
  • The California Poison Control System received 77 calls regarding rattlesnake bites in the first three months of 2026.
  • Typically, Poison Control receives 200-300 rattlesnake bite reports per year.

Warm Weather Drives Activity

Taylor explained that the warmer temperatures, including an unprecedented heatwave in March, have prompted rattlesnakes to emerge from their winter dormancy a month earlier than usual, seeking food and mates. Increased outdoor activity by people is also contributing to the rise in encounters.

While rattlesnakes are active year-round in California, their activity levels are lower during the winter. Greg Pauly, curator of herpetology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, noted that even warm spells during winter can bring snakes out for sunshine.

“As temperatures warm in the spring, we see a dramatic increase in daytime surface activity,” Pauly said. “After eating nothing or very little through the winter months, rattlesnakes are actively foraging in the spring and also looking for mates.”

Rattlesnake Habitats and Peak Season

Rattlesnakes typically inhabit rocky outcrops, tall grass, and rodent burrows. In mountainous regions like Big Bear, they often share dens, while in areas like Los Angeles, they tend to have individual or paired burrows.

The peak season for rattlesnake activity is generally from April to October, coinciding with the highest number of calls to the California Poison Control System. Rattlesnake activity is heavily influenced by local weather conditions.

“The rattlesnakes use the warm temperature as a cue for when it’s time for them to come out and start being active,” Taylor stated. The combination of early rains, warm weather, and abundant prey has signaled an early start to the season.

Debunking Rattlesnake Myths

Taylor and Pauly aim to dispel common misconceptions about rattlesnakes. Contrary to popular belief, rattlesnakes do not actively seek to bite humans.

“Rattlesnakes want nothing to do with humans,” Taylor said. They are more often harmed by cars and rodenticides, and encounters with people often result in attempts to kill them.

Another myth is that you can always hear a rattlesnake before you see it. Pauly explained that individual snakes vary in their response to perceived threats, with some rattling from a distance and others relying on camouflage until approached closely.

Safety and Ecological Importance

Experts recommend paying close attention to surroundings while hiking and giving rattlesnakes ample space – at least three to four feet, more for larger snakes. If bitten, seek immediate medical attention.

Rattlesnakes play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations, which can carry diseases like hantavirus and Lyme disease. They also contribute to seed dispersal and their venom is being studied for potential medical applications, including treatments for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Death from a rattlesnake bite remains rare, with approximately 8,000 bites occurring annually in the US and only around five resulting in fatalities.