Rattlesnake Bite Prompts Rescue on Montecito Trail; Hiker Uses Text and Whistle to Summon Help

A woman was rescued from the Buena Vista Trail in Montecito on Sunday afternoon after a rattlesnake bit her on the ankle about three-quarters of a mile up the path, according to Montecito Fire.

The call came in at 3:38 p.m. on April 12. With limited cell coverage, the hiker was unable to reach 911 by phone but managed to text a loved one, who contacted emergency services.

Dispatchers established contact with the patient as she made her way downhill and instructed her to repeatedly blow a whistle to help guide rescuers.

Montecito firefighters and Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue located the woman and transported her to the trailhead using a stokes basket outfitted with a wheel for rugged terrain.

From there, an AMR ambulance took her to a hospital. Her condition was not immediately released.

Officials thanked Santa Barbara County Fire, Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue, and AMR for the coordinated response.

Montecito Fire noted this is the second snakebite-related emergency on a Montecito hiking trail this month and urged hikers to plan ahead and stay alert. Another hiker was airlifted from Montecito Peak last week for a snakebite. 

Last month, a Ventura County woman died from a rattlesnake bite after going hiking in Moorpark. 

With warmer weather bringing increased rattlesnake activity on local trails and in the backcountry, officials are urging hikers, runners, and families to stay alert and prepared.

Rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive but will defend themselves if threatened; most bites occur when people get too close or attempt to handle a snake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Montecito Fire (@montecitofire)

Safety reminders from SBCSAR:

• Stay on established trails; avoid tall grass and brush.
• Watch where you step and place your hands, especially around rocks and logs.
• Do not approach, move, or disturb a snake.
• Keep children and dogs close and under control.
• Be extra cautious during the warmer parts of the day.

If you encounter a rattlesnake:

• Stop, remain calm, and slowly back away, giving the snake plenty of space.
• Do not attempt to interact with it.

If a bite occurs:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Stay calm and limit movement to slow the spread of venom.
• Keep the affected limb immobilized and at or slightly below heart level.
• Remove tight clothing or jewelry near the bite area.
• Do not apply ice, cut the wound, or attempt to suck out the venom.

SBCSAR has previously emphasized that early activation of emergency services is critical and said partner agencies stand ready to respond. “Stay aware, stay prepared, and enjoy the outdoors safely,” the team advised.