A landscaper was hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday after a rattlesnake bit her hand.
"She was doing some landscaping work here in Chino Hills when she was bit in the left hand by a rattlesnake," said Massiel De Guevara, Chino Valley Independent Fire District spokeswoman.
The incident happened shortly before noon near Butterfield Ranch Road and Pine Avenue. The woman, who is in her 30s, was transported to Loma Linda Medical Center.
"This is a time where there are rattlesnakes in the area. This is not uncommon," De Guevara said.
The snake, which was 3.5-feet long, was captured and euthanized at the Inland Valley Humane Society.
Dr. William Hayes of Loma Linda University studies rattlers similar to the one that struck on Tuesday. He harvests venom for use in anti-venom.
"Baby snakes can control the venom they inject, but the big snakes have so much more venom available, and they do use it, and that is probably the single biggest factor in how severe a bite is," Hayes said.
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Chino Hills residents say anyone who reaches into vegetation they can't see through puts themselves at risk.
"I see plenty of snakes and rattlesnakes," said Barbara Boll. "Pretty much, they want to mind their own business. As long as you leave them alone, they'll leave you alone."
Related: Rattlesnakes in California
