On Aug. 3, rescuers searched Bear Canyon in Angeles National Forest after a hiker texted that he had been bitten by a rattlesnake but could not give his location. Thick tree cover and steep terrain forced coordinated ground searches by LASD Montrose and Altadena Mountain Rescue teams while a helicopter assisted. Crews found the man and airlifted him to a hospital. Officials noted more than 250 rattlesnake sightings in Southern California this year and urged hikers to carry emergency communicators and share routes.
Hiker's Text After Rattlesnake Bite Triggers Urgent Multi‑Team Search in Angeles National Forest
Photo Credit: iStock
Rescue crews launched an urgent search on Aug. 3 after a hiker in the Bear Canyon area of Angeles National Forest texted a family member that he had been bitten by a rattlesnake but could not provide an exact location.
The response began at about 4 p.m. and involved the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Montrose Search and Rescue Team and the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team. Because Bear Canyon lies within multiple response zones, the teams coordinated wide ground searches across routes including the Switzer Falls Trail and Tom Sloan Saddle while a helicopter conducted aerial scans.
Thick tree canopy and steep terrain hampered aerial visibility and complicated the effort, forcing rescuers to rely heavily on ground teams. According to an LASD Montrose Facebook post, crews ultimately located the hiker and airlifted him by helicopter to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The incident comes amid an active year for rattlesnake encounters in Southern California: authorities have logged more than 250 rattlesnakes across the region so far in 2026. While bites are uncommon, they can escalate quickly. Local cases this year include a woman hospitalized after being bitten while trimming roses, a toddler bitten near a delivery package, and a 25‑year‑old cyclist who died following an encounter in Irvine.
Why Encounters Are Rising
Experts cited by BBC Future and local authorities note that expanding trails, neighborhoods, and outdoor recreation into native habitat increases the chance of close encounters with wildlife. Rising temperatures can also drive greater activity among snakes and other species, increasing the likelihood of dangerous interactions.
Safety Tips and Rescue Advice
Rescuers and federal guidance recommend practical steps to reduce risk and improve the chances of a swift rescue:
Before You Go: Share your planned route with friends or family, carry a charged phone and, where possible, a satellite emergency communicator for areas with spotty cell service.
If Bitten: Stay as still and calm as possible, limit movement, keep the affected limb below heart level, and seek immediate medical care. Do not attempt to cut or suck the wound or apply a tourniquet.
This rescue underscores how a short text message can trigger a complex, time‑sensitive search across difficult terrain — and how preparedness and clear communication can be life‑saving in remote outdoor settings.
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