Rattlesnake bites 8-year-old boy in Phoenix

An 8-year-old boy in Phoenix was bitten by a rattlesnake on his right foot Sunday evening. The Phoenix Fire Department said the boy was playing in his backyard when he was bit.

He was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition.

Officials remind residents that rattlesnake season is in full swing and to use caution when outside.

Toddler dies after rattlesnake bite in California

A 2-year-old toddler has died after a rattlesnake bite in California, authorities said.

The child was bitten Saturday morning while walking on a property in the rural community of Phelan, San Bernardino County sheriff's spokeswoman Cindy Bachman said.

It took nearly an hour for paramedics to reach the remote location, and when they arrived, the child was unresponsive, she said.

The toddler was taken to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

This is the third death in California this year from a rattlesnake bite, Bachman said.

One easy way to avoid being bitten by a rattlesnake is to always be aware of your surroundings and to stay on trails when hiking, experts say. If you do encounter a snake, back away slowly and never try to touch or pick it up.

Beware: Rattlesnakes are out and about!

It's that time of year again when rattlesnakes are on the move - so watch out! These venomous snakes can be found throughout much of the United States, and although bites are relatively rare, they can be deadly.

Rattlesnakes are typically shy and will try to avoid humans, but if provoked they can become aggressive. They may coil up and vibrate their rattle, or strike out with their sharp fangs.

If you should encounter a rattlesnake, here are a few tips to help stay safe:

• Stay calm and slowly back away.

• Make loud noises or use a stick to scare the snake away.

• If you are bitten, seek medical help immediately.

Snake experts warn of increase in rattlesnake sightings

While the warm weather may be welcomed by most, it's also resulted in a recent uptick in rattlesnake sightings,according to snake experts. The snakes are coming out of hibernation and looking for food, which often means they end up in residential areas.

"We're getting reports of rattlesnakes everywhere," said one expert. "They seem to be especially fond of swimming pools."

Most rattlesnake bites occur when people accidentally step on the snakes or try to pick them up. The best way to avoid being bitten is to stay alert and watch where you're walking.

If you do happen to encounter a rattlesnake, the best thing to do is calmly back away from it. Never try to provoke or kill the snake, as this could lead to an even more dangerous situation.

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately. While most snakebites aren't fatal, they can still cause serious injury and require prompt treatment.

How to avoid being bitten by a rattlesnake

Living in areas where snakes live can be a little daunting, especially if you are not used to them. While most snakes are harmless and there is only a small chance of being bitten by a venomous one, it is always important to be aware of the dangers they pose. Rattlesnakes are the most common venomous snake in North America, so here are some tips on how to avoid being bitten by one:

• Be aware of your surroundings. If you are out hiking or camping, be on the lookout for snakes sunning themselves on the trail or in the bushes.

• Don't put your hands or feet where you can't see them. When climbing around rocks or stepping over logs, always take a moment to scan the area before putting your hands and feet down.

• Stay safe when cooking outdoors. Always watch where you put your hands and never reach into tall grass or under brush without looking first.

• Learn what to do if you are bitten by a rattlesnake. Remaining calm is key, as well as keeping the bite area still. Most importantly, get to a hospital as quickly as possible.