(NewsNation) — California is seeing an unusual rise in rattlesnake bites in 2026.

Health officials are reporting encounters occurring earlier and more frequently than normal, according to NewsNation affiliate KTLA.

The California Poison Control System has logged more than 250 rattlesnake-related calls so far in 2026.

For comparison, the agency typically receives about 200 such calls during an entire year.

Three deaths have been linked to venomous snake bites in California this year:

Feb. 1: Julian Hernandez, 25, died after being bitten while mountain biking at Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine.

 College athlete bitten by rattlesnake on Southern California hiking trail 

March 14: Gabriela Bautista, 46, died five days after being bitten while hiking at Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks.

April 8: A 78-year-old woman died two days after being bitten multiple times on rural property in Redwood Valley. Officials have not confirmed which species bit her.

Rais Vohra, medical director for the Fresno/Madera Division of the California Poison Control System, told KTLA that the death toll is "highly unusual and deeply concerning."

He said California typically records about one rattlesnake-related death per year.

Officials say recent heat waves are a key factor. Rattlesnakes generally avoid people, but encounters become more likely as more people spend time outdoors during warmer weather.

The California Poison Control System typically receives the most calls between April and October. However, a spring heat wave that began in early March accelerated snake emergence, according to the Biothreats Emergence, Analysis and Communications Network.

According to BEACON, earlier and warmer weather is increasing rattlesnake activity across parts of the West, including some areas of Colorado. The California Poison Control System recommends:

Carry a fully charged phone and hike with a companion.

Tell someone where you're hiking and when you expect to return.

Stay on clear trails and avoid tall grass and dense brush.

Wear boots and long pants.

Check logs and rocks for camouflaged rattlesnakes before sitting down.

Avoid wearing earphones so you can hear warning rattles, though snakes do not always rattle before striking.

Listen for faint buzzing or hissing sounds.

If you encounter a rattlesnake, back away slowly and give it space. A rattlesnake can strike from up to half its body length away. If bitten, call 911 immediately and seek medical attention.

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