78-Year-Old Woman Dies from Snake Bites

A quiet walk in rural Northern California turned tragic when a 78-year-old woman was fatally bitten by a venomous snake in what authorities are calling a rare but chilling incident.

The woman was walking through a remote area of Redwood Valley on April 8 when she was suddenly struck—not once, but three times—by a venomous snake, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Despite being rushed to the hospital and receiving treatment, she succumbed to her injuries two days later on April 10.

Her death now marks the third fatal snake bite in California this year, raising fresh concerns as peak rattlesnake season begins to ramp up across the state.

While snake bites are relatively common in the U.S.—with an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 cases reported annually—fatalities remain extremely rare. On average, only about five people die each year from venomous snake bites, according to federal health data. But California is already nearing that number just months into 2026.

Earlier this year, a 25-year-old man died after being bitten by a rattlesnake while mountain biking in Irvine. Just weeks later, a 46-year-old woman lost her life after a similar encounter while hiking at Wildwood Regional Park in Southern California.

Wildlife officials warn that the danger is far from over. Rattlesnake activity typically surges between April and October, when warmer weather brings the reptiles out in full force.

As temperatures climb, experts are urging hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to stay alert, stick to clear paths, and watch every step—because as this latest tragedy shows, one unexpected encounter can turn deadly in an instant.