A rattlesnake was discovered in a Calabasas backyard on Friday, hiding among children's toys, prompting a call to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Hugo Will, a cinematographer, found the venomous reptile in his yard where his children typically play. He expressed relief that the children were not present at the time of the discovery. "Imagining finding a rattlesnake in your kid’s backyard among all the toys that kids interact with? Still in shock. Luckily the kids weren’t home," Will stated in a social media caption.
Firefighters responded to the scene around 6 p.m. and captured the snake using a grabber tool. Footage shared on social media documented the capture.
This incident highlights safety concerns in outdoor areas, especially during warmer months. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) advises residents to exercise caution and remain alert when outdoors. The agency recommends avoiding tall grass, weeds, and heavy brush, and suggests inspecting areas with such cover, including rocks and stumps, before sitting down.
California is home to seven different species of rattlesnakes. The CDFW also notes that pets are at increased risk of snake bites due to their tendency to investigate bushes. Leashing pets when outdoors is advised. The department also cautions that even snakes that appear to be dead can still possess venom and deliver a bite.
In May, a separate incident in Northern California involved a man who was bitten twice by a rattlesnake while checking a pipeline leak at his parents' home near Lake Oroville. The victim, Christopher Howarth, received antivenom at Oroville Hospital, but the facility ran out, requiring him to be transferred to Stanford Hospital for further treatment. This case underscored the critical need for readily available antivenom.