Hiker airlifted after terrifying rattlesnake bite on remote trail as incidents surge in area

A hiker was airlifted to Los Robles Regional Medical Center after being bitten by a rattlesnake on Long Canyon Trail in Simi Valley, marking the seventh such incident in Ventura County this month. The surge in snake activity, linked to recent heat, has prompted warnings from emergency officials, including Ventura County Fire Department's Andrew Dowd, who emphasized the need for hikers to wear protective clothing and avoid off-trail areas.