This year, even in March, there have been many hot days, and now there's alarming news that rattlesnake season has started much earlier than usual.

In March 2026, a warning was issued after multiple incidents of people being bitten by rattlesnakes occurred on hiking trails.

• Ventura County Incident: On March 14, 2026, a 46-year-old woman was bitten by a rattlesnake on a hiking trail and died.
• Irvine Incident: Earlier in March, a 25-year-old man, Julian Hernandez, was mountain biking on the Quail Hill Trail in Irvine, Orange County, when he was bitten by a rattlesnake, lost consciousness, and eventually died.

Honestly, in the past, when I heard about rattlesnakes, I thought, "Isn't that just a story from a quiet rural area?" But these days, they are said to be common on Southern California trails.

This year, there was quite a bit of rain in the winter. Then it suddenly got warm. For the snakes, it's a signal that it's time to come out.

With plenty of food and the start of mating season, they begin their activity much earlier than usual.

According to local experts, there have been reports of inquiries increasing more than tenfold in March. This indicates a significant increase in activity.

The problem is that people are moving just as quickly. With nice weather, hiking, biking, and dog walking all start earlier than usual.

As a result, the chances of encountering each other in the same space increase.

California has a wider range of rattlesnake habitats than you might think. It's not just specific areas that are dangerous.

Areas that are particularly risky include hills or flatlands with a lot of grass, rocky trails, near water, and border areas right next to residential neighborhoods.

One common species is the "Northern Pacific rattlesnake," and the real danger lies in its coloration.

It blends in almost perfectly with leaves and dirt, making it hard to distinguish with the naked eye. Many times, you won't see it until you're very close.

So, rather than saying, "the snake attacks," it's usually a situation where a person unknowingly gets too close and startles it.

Most of the time, rattlesnakes will try to avoid people. The problem is that they can bite defensively if stepped on or approached too suddenly.

Dogs are particularly problematic. Out of curiosity, they often approach and get bitten.

And there are cases where the owner gets into danger while trying to stop them.

It's also helpful to travel in pairs rather than alone. One person might miss something that another person can see.

If bitten, you should not believe in the "old methods." Sucking out the venom or tying up the wound is all prohibited.

What you need to do is call 911 immediately, minimize movement, keep the bitten area below the heart, and absolutely avoid panic.

This is how to increase your chances of survival.

If you want to enjoy nature in California, rattlesnakes are not something you can avoid.

However, there's no need to be scared and stay home. Just know the rules and move accordingly.

So these days, when going out on the trails, it's a good idea to lower your earphone volume and keep an eye on your feet.