Claremont, California — A routine hike through a popular Southern California trail turned into a life-threatening emergency after a 22-year-old college athlete was bitten by a rattlesnake, forcing him to spend three days in intensive care and receive dozens of doses of lifesaving antivenom.
Jake Entrup was running with his dog along the Wilderness Park trails near Higginbotham Park on July 18, with his mother following just behind, when the unexpected attack happened as he rounded a corner.
What began as a normal outdoor workout quickly became a race against time.
Snake Struck Without Warning on Popular Trail
Entrup said he had little time to react before the rattlesnake struck.
“The next thing I know, I got bit,” he said. “I looked down and I saw the fang marks. I did turn around. I saw the snake. It kind of hissed at me and slithered off into the bush.”
His mother immediately heard him scream for help.
Fortunately, an off-duty nurse happened to be hiking nearby and rushed over to assist. She stayed with Entrup, held his hand and encouraged him to remain calm, knowing that limiting panic could help slow the spread of venom through his body until emergency crews arrived.
Symptoms Worsened Within Minutes
Entrup said the venom began affecting him almost immediately.
“Within the first two minutes, I put my hand in front of my face and I could not see it,” Entrup said.
Emergency responders airlifted him to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, where doctors administered 20 doses of antivenom. As his condition required additional treatment, he was later transferred to Los Angeles General Medical Center, where he received 14 more doses, bringing the total to 34 doses of antivenom.
His mother described the experience as one of the most frightening moments of her life.
According to her, she watched her son’s muscles, eyes and lips twitch continuously for nearly two days as doctors worked to stabilize him.
Family Urges Hikers to Stay Alert
Entrup and his family are experienced hikers and understood that rattlesnakes are common on Southern California trails. Even so, the incident has prompted them to remind others to remain vigilant while enjoying the outdoors.
“I would be very cautious of your surroundings,” Jake said. “In the moment, it can seem scary, but you want to keep yourself as calm as possible.”
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Experts recommend hikers stay on marked trails, watch where they step or place their hands, avoid approaching snakes and seek immediate medical attention if bitten.
California Seeing More Rattlesnake Encounters
Entrup’s ordeal comes as Southern California continues to report an increase in rattlesnake bites this year.
Officials have reported nearly 250 rattlesnake bites and three fatalities as of early July.
In another recent case, a 3-year-old girl in the Santa Clarita Valley was bitten after reaching beneath an Amazon package where a rattlesnake was hiding. Earlier this year, an Idaho man visiting Northern California survived after requiring 54 doses of antivenom following another severe rattlesnake bite.
Wildlife experts say an early March heat wave, combined with seasonal moisture and rainfall, has contributed to increased snake activity, leading to more encounters between rattlesnakes and people.
After spending three days in intensive care, Entrup has now been released from the hospital and is continuing his recovery at home. Because he is unable to work while recovering, a GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover expenses as he continues working toward graduate school.
Have you ever encountered a rattlesnake while hiking or spending time outdoors? What precautions do you take to stay safe on the trail? Share your thoughts and experiences respectfully in the comments below.
