The family of a 3-year-old girl who was bitten by a rattlesnake hiding beneath an Amazon package outside their home is warning others to stay alert during an unusually active season for snakebites in California.
The child, identified only as Addy, was playing outside when she reached for a package that had been tossed over the family's front gate, not realizing a Southern Pacific rattlesnake was hiding beneath it. The snake bit Addy on the left hand, and her mother rushed her to a nearby grocery store parking lot, where paramedics met the family before transporting her to a hospital.
Addy spent two days in a pediatric intensive care unit receiving additional doses of antivenom, and her father, Manuel Barajas, hopes sharing their experience will encourage others to stay vigilant around their homes. "She's doing great now," Barajas said. "She's about 70% recovered, but she keeps asking why she was bitten by a snake."
The incident comes weeks after a hiker was airlifted from a remote Ventura County trail following a rattlesnake bite. Earlier this year, local officials reported a surge in rattlesnake bites, attributing the increase to warmer weather that has driven snakes out earlier than usual.
Wildlife experts say the unusually warm spring has fueled increased rattlesnake activity across California this year, contributing to a rise in snakebite incidents and deaths statewide. Health officials warn that anyone bitten by a rattlesnake should seek emergency medical care immediately, remain as still as possible, and avoid attempting home remedies that can worsen the injury.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the family cover Addy's medical expenses and lost income while she continues to recover.
As the state continues to experience an active snakebite season, officials urge residents to be cautious and aware of their surroundings, especially in areas where snakes are known to reside. By staying vigilant and knowing which hospitals are equipped to treat pediatric snakebite emergencies, individuals can help prevent similar incidents and ensure timely medical attention in the event of a snakebite.
