A woman was bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking on Long Canyon Trail in Simi Valley, marking the seventh reported snake bite in Ventura County this year. The 2.35-mile-long trail is located in the Wood Ranch neighborhood.
The incident occurred at 2:40 p.m. on Thursday afternoon when the woman was bitten on her ankle. Firefighter paramedics responded to the scene and transported the victim to the hospital by helicopter due to her remote location.
This marks the seventh reported rattlesnake bite in Ventura County this year, with authorities noting a significant increase in bites compared to previous years.
The California Poison Control System has received 77 calls regarding rattlesnake bites in the first three months of 2026, and the agency typically receives between 290 and 390 reports annually.
Experts advise taking precautions when hiking or spending time outdoors, including staying on designated trails, being aware of one's surroundings, and giving rattlesnakes a safe distance. If bitten, individuals should call 911 immediately and seek medical attention.