Woman bitten by rattlesnake in Simi Valley; 7th reported bite in Ventura County since March

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- Ventura County firefighters are reminding the public to stay vigilant while hiking after another person was bit by a rattlesnake this week.

The latest incident happened Thursday afternoon in the Wood Ranch area of Simi Valley, according to Ventura County Fire's Andrew Dowd. The woman, who reported a bite on her ankle, was airlifted to a hospital in stable condition.

Dowd said this is the seventh reported rattlesnake bite in Ventura County since March. In 2025, there were nine reported bites in the county.

California has already had three deaths from rattlesnake bites this year.

That includes a 46-year-old Moorpark woman who died after being bitten in Thousand Oaks in March. A teenager was hospitalized after a bite in Newbury Park.

Experienced hikers are now reminding others to be cautious.

"The key note is watch where you're walking - especially the edges of your trail - and 99% of the time, you're going to see them, if you're paying attention, long before they become aware of you," said Fred Houston of Thousand Oaks.

The Ventura County Fire Department offered these rattlesnake safety tips:

- Hike on clearly marked paths.
- Avoid tall grass and brush.
- Wear hiking boots and long pants.
- Be cautious and look before you step over rocks and logs to avoid snakes.