Video captured in Southern California shows two large rattlesnakes duking it out, intertwining their bodies in what looks almost like a tango near a storm drain in Thousand Oaks. This highlights a broader, unsettling surge in snake encounters across the region.
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Video captured in Southern California shows two large rattlesnakes fighting near a storm drain in Thousand Oaks on Tuesday, highlighting a broader, unsettling surge in snake encounters across the region.
Their slender forms are seen raised high as the two duke it out, intertwining their bodies in what looks almost like a tango — further underscoring the snakes’ recent presence and the spike in rattlesnake bites.
Two large rattlesnakes fight near a storm drain in Thousand Oaks, California on Tuesday
(Anthony Damore via Storyful)
The California Poison Control System (CPCS) reported 77 rattlesnake encounter and bite calls during the early months of this year—a figure that has since surged to approximately 250 calls within the first six months.
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“Three encounters have been fatal that we’re aware of so far this year, which is highly unusual and deeply concerning,” Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS said in the May report.
For perspective, as our affiliates at FOX 11 Los Angeles reported, Lee Cantrell of the California Poison Control System called the current surge unprecedented, noting in an interview that he’s only seen two or three career-related deaths in 30 years.
State poison control authorities note that while snake bites occur in all areas of California, they are more frequent in Southern California.
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In California, rattlesnakes are most active between March and October, peaking during warmer weather, as rising temperatures prompt them to come out of hiding to hunt and find mates.
Two large rattlesnakes fight near a storm drain in Thousand Oaks, California on Tuesday
(Anthony Damore via Storyful)
“Although rattlesnakes generally avoid humans, accidental encounters can happen during warmer weather and outdoor activities,” the CPCS said.
Rattlesnakes are venomous and bites can cause severe pain, rapid swelling and tissue damage and, in rare cases, death if not treated.
Experts urge caution amid the rising number of snake bites, reminding the public to seek emergency medical help immediately by calling 911 and getting to a hospital as quickly as possible if a bite occurs.
