Rare Rattlesnake Bite Death Reported in Orange County

Incident highlights increased snake activity on SoCal trails earlier in season

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A 25-year-old man died several weeks after a suspected rattlesnake bite in Irvine, California, prompting warnings from animal control officials in Orange County as rattlesnake activity ramps up across trails and open spaces earlier than usual this year.

Why it matters

Rattlesnake encounters on trails are a common occurrence in Orange County, but fatal bites are extremely rare. This incident underscores the hidden dangers that outdoor enthusiasts may face as snakes emerge from hibernation earlier due to warming temperatures.

The details

Julian Hernandez was riding his bike and stopped to wait for a friend when he fell into a brush area where the suspected rattlesnake bite occurred. He was transported to a hospital but died several weeks later on March 4. Animal control officials say rattlesnake sightings have been increasing earlier in the season as the weather warms up, prompting them to respond to more calls about snakes in yards, homes, and other areas where people may be at risk.

  • The Orange County Fire Authority responded around 11 a.m. on Feb. 1 to the report of a possible rattlesnake bite.
  • Hernandez died on March 4, several weeks after the incident.

The players

Julian Hernandez

A 25-year-old man who died several weeks after a suspected rattlesnake bite in Irvine, California.

Kyle Oldoerp

Public information officer for the Irvine Police Department.

Greg Hardesty

A longtime trail runner who frequently runs in the foothills of Orange County and has encountered rattlesnakes several times.

Kyle Warner

Animal services manager and chief of field services for Mission Viejo Animal Services, which provides animal control and sheltering services for five South Orange County cities.

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What they’re saying

“When the weather warms up they'll come out onto trails in the morning to warm up.”

— Kyle Warner, Animal services manager and chief of field services for Mission Viejo Animal Services

“It's not uncommon for me to see rattlesnakes because I'm a trail runner in Orange County and I stick to the foothills.”

— Greg Hardesty, Longtime trail runner

What’s next

Animal control officials say they will continue to respond to rattlesnake reports, particularly when snakes appear in areas where people may be at risk. They urge outdoor enthusiasts to be cautious and aware of their surroundings when using trails in Orange County.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a reminder that rattlesnakes are a natural part of the ecosystem in Southern California, and that hikers, runners, and other trail users need to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid encounters, especially as snakes emerge earlier due to warming temperatures.