Santa Clarita, California — A routine package delivery turned into every parent’s nightmare when a 3-year-old girl was bitten by a rattlesnake hiding beneath an Amazon package, sending her to the hospital and prompting her father to warn other families to stay alert around deliveries left outside their homes.
The frightening incident happened as little Addy excitedly ran to collect a gift that had just been delivered. According to her father, Manuel Barajas, a Southern Pacific rattlesnake had been hiding underneath the brown padded envelope and struck the child on her left hand as she reached for it.
The unexpected attack left Addy in urgent need of emergency medical treatment.
Child Rushed to Hospital After Snake Bite
Barajas explained that his wife, Lynn, immediately acted after the bite, rushing their daughter to meet firefighters and paramedics at a nearby grocery store parking lot.
Addy received her first dose of antivenom at a local hospital before doctors determined she needed more specialized care. She was transferred to another hospital equipped with a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU).
In a GoFundMe campaign, Barajas described the terrifying experience.
“Lynn rushed Addy to meet the fire department and ambulance at a nearby grocery store parking lot. Addy received her first dose of antivenom at the local hospital, but had to be transferred to another hospital with a pediatric ICU.”
He added:
“She needed two more doses of antivenom and spent two nights in the hospital. I was out of town for work when this happened, and I flew home as soon as possible to be with Lynn and Addy.”
Fortunately, Addy survived the ordeal, but the experience left the family shaken.
Medical Bills Add to Family’s Struggle
Beyond the emotional trauma, the family is now dealing with significant medical expenses.
Barajas said he missed about a week of work after flying home to support his wife and daughter during Addy’s recovery. Combined with the cost of antivenom treatments and intensive care, the financial burden has become overwhelming.
In the fundraiser, he asked for community support.
“We are doing everything we can to support Addy’s healing, but the costs are overwhelming. We never imagined we’d be in this situation, and it’s hard to ask for help, but we need support to get through this difficult time.”
The fundraiser, launched Sunday evening, had raised about $200 toward its $4,500 goal at the time of the update.
California Continues to See Serious Rattlesnake Encounters
The incident is one of several serious rattlesnake encounters reported across California this year.
Woman Allegedly Shot Man in the Head After Discovering Him Under Daughter’s Bed, Police Say
Earlier this year, a 25-year-old mountain biker died after being bitten by a rattlesnake in Irvine. In another case, an Idaho man visiting family in California required 54 vials of antivenom after being bitten twice, resulting in medical bills reportedly totaling about $1.3 million.
A woman also died in Ventura County after suffering a rattlesnake bite while hiking in March.
Wildlife experts often advise residents to carefully inspect around packages, outdoor furniture, landscaping and other shaded areas, especially during warmer months when snakes are more active.
Although rattlesnake bites remain relatively uncommon, officials say remaining aware of your surroundings can help prevent potentially life-threatening encounters.
Have you ever encountered a snake near your home or while picking up a package? What precautions do you take to keep your family safe? Share your thoughts and experiences respectfully in the comments below.
