Mystery spike of snake attacks in California has already killed three as researchers scramble to find cause

NewsWorldAmericasMystery spike of snake attacks in California has already killed three as researchers scramble to find causeThe state’s average of one death a year has already been surpassed Erin Keller In Ohio Wednesday 22 April 2026 16:36 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"CF1:2961838To1","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/snake-bites-attacks-deaths-california-b2962878.html","title":"Mystery spike of snake attacks in California has already killed three people"}}open image in gallery{"id":"trigger-autogallery-2406","index":0}While the species of snake involved in the third fatal California bite of 2026 has yet to be determined, two other people have already died from rattlesnake bites in the state this year (Getty)The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdayYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USEmail*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice{"className":"sc-1ge0fwe-0","newsletterData":{"regSourceNewsletter":"IND_Evening_Newsletter","regTitle":"Evening Headlines","subscriptionGroup":"us_evening_headlines","subscriptionGroupId":"4326e634-422a-4447-8e1e-604a937cd3b5","type":"daily_news","pathPrefix":["/us","/news/world/americas","/news/world/americas/crime"],"title":"The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday","mobileTitle":"Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US","imageSrc":"https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/usEveningHeadlines1_1.png","label":"I would like to receive morning headlines Monday - Friday...