A Thousand Oaks commuter captured video of two large rattlesnakes entwined on a neighborhood street in what witnesses say was a male combat ritual. Separately, a Santa Clarita Valley gardener was bitten while barefoot and required antivenom after 911 calls initially failed to connect. Officials warn California may see about a 20 percent rise in rattlesnake bites this year following an unusually warm spring and urge caution in outdoor and suburban areas.
Giant Rattlesnakes Lock in Rare 'Combat Dance' on Thousand Oaks Street as Snakebites Rise
A Thousand Oaks commuter got an unexpected shock during his morning drive when he found two enormous rattlesnakes locked together on a neighborhood street.
Video shows two large snakes entwined on asphalt near a storm drain on July 28, 2026. Storyful
Anthony Damore said he was leaving for work at about 10 a.m. on Monday when he noticed the venomous snakes coiled and entwined near a storm drain, rearing up and twisting around each other in what witnesses described as a striking display of strength. Video of the encounter shows the two snakes towering and grappling on the side of the road.
A coiled rattlesnake on sandy ground, with its distinctive diamond pattern visible, looking to the right. Luis – stock.adobe.com
Likely Explanation
Two large snakes entwined on asphalt near a storm drain. Storyful
Damore and other onlookers said the behavior appeared to be a combat ritual between two rival male rattlesnakes, a known natural behavior during the breeding season when males compete for mates. Experts note that such displays, sometimes called a combat dance, can appear dramatic but are part of normal snake behavior.
Stevenson Ranch woman bitten by rattlesnake while tending to her garden. Courtesy of Linda Martin
Separate Bite Incident and Emergency Response Issues
Linda Martin, a woman bitten by a rattlesnake, sitting on a couch in her living room. CBS
In a separate event this week, Santa Clarita Valley resident Linda Martin was bitten on the foot while tending her rose bushes barefoot after unknowingly disturbing a rattlesnake hiding among the plants. Martin told reporters that symptoms began quickly, describing tingling in her fingertips within 30 to 45 seconds that spread to her jaw, cheeks and tongue.
Martin said repeated attempts to reach 911 failed to connect, so her husband rushed her to the hospital, where she received antivenom after an approximately 10-minute drive. She later said that had her husband not been home, the outcome could have been far more serious.
Wider Trend
Officials say California is on pace for about a 20 percent increase in rattlesnake bites this year after an unusually warm spring prompted snakes to emerge from hibernation earlier than usual. Authorities and wildlife experts urge residents to be vigilant, especially in suburban and foothill areas where encounters are more likely.
Safety Tips
- Wear sturdy shoes and gloves when gardening or walking in brushy areas.
- Keep yards clear of heavy brush, woodpiles and debris where snakes can hide.
- Never handle or try to move a rattlesnake; give snakes space and leave them alone.
- If bitten, seek immediate medical attention; do not attempt home remedies. Call emergency services and note the time of the bite.
Source: Eyewitness video and local news reports.
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