OROVILLE, CA – An Idaho man visiting his parents in Butte County narrowly survived a harrowing encounter after being bitten twice by a rattlesnake in an Oroville backyard.
The Incident
The attack occurred on May 26 when Chris Howarth stepped into his parents’ backyard to check a waterline following a period of heavy rain. Howarth accidentally stepped near a hidden rattlesnake, which struck his lower right leg twice.
One of the bites deeply penetrated a vein, injecting venom directly into his bloodstream. His family noted that the snake was actively shaking its tail, but because the rattler was damp from the wet weather, it made no sound to warn him.
A Life-Threatening Medical Crisis
By the time Howarth arrived at the Oroville hospital, he was already experiencing severe neurological and systemic symptoms, including a numb tongue, swollen lymph nodes, and extreme difficulty breathing.
His condition took a critical turn on the third day when he developed disseminated intravascular coagulation—a severe blood clotting disorder that can lead to fatal internal bleeding. Feeling himself fading, Howarth admitted he even wrote goodbye letters to his children.
Hospital Runs Out Of Antivenom
The medical battle turned into a race against time:
- Howarth required constant, massive doses of medicine as symptoms kept returning.
- After six days, the local Oroville hospital completely ran out of antivenom.
- He was airlifted 195 miles to Stanford Hospital for emergency specialized care.
In total, Howarth spent 12 days in intensive care and required an astonishing 54 doses of antivenom to stabilize his blood count and save his life.
Rising Snake Activity Across California
Experts warn that California is seeing a notable surge in rattlesnake encounters this season. A major heat wave earlier in the year has increased snake activity across the state. Local authorities urge residents and visitors to watch their step, especially around high brush, woodpiles, and damp backyard areas.
