Well then. There was much concern about this online yesterday. Turns out, no big. Please enjoy the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release below and/or go back to focusing on other things:
On Monday August 14th, 2017 at approximately 4:30pm the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a female juvenile that was bitten by a Rattlesnake. The juvenile was hiking the Lost Coast south of Petrolia with family members when the bite occurred. Poor weather conditions prevented a helicopter air rescue. Members of the Southern Humboldt Technical Rescue Team, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Cal Fire, and BLM initiated a rescue effort for the juvenile; however due to poor communications the exact location of the victim was not immediately known. It was soon reported that the victim was able to hike to the roadway under her own power and obtain a ride to Jerold Phelps Hospital in Garberville for treatment. Fortunately it was determined that the bite was what is referred to as a “Dry Bite,” in which no venom is delivered during the bite. The juvenile is recovering with no adverse effects.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to advise hikers, hunters, and pet owners that there have been a high number of Rattlesnake sightings this year and to use extra caution when spending time outdoors.