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Idaho man bit by rattlesnake in Northern California recovering
By Gayle Ong at KRON4 (KRON-TV)
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
(KRON) -- An Idaho man is recovering after a life-threatening rattlesnake bite during a family visit to Oroville, Northern California. Chris Howarth spent nearly two weeks in intensive care following the incident in his mother's garden. During his 12-day stay in intensive care, Howarth received 5...
Key takeaway Chris Howarth spent nearly two weeks in intensive care following the incident in his mother's garden.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The incident in Oroville serves as a stark warning to residents and visitors of Northern California about the dangers of rattlesnakes in the region. As the weather warms up, snakes become more active, increasing the risk of encounters in backyards and outdoor spaces. Chris Howarth's ordeal is a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of such encounters, with his treatment requiring a substantial amount of anti-venom and blood transfusions. The fact that he received 54 vials of anti-venom during his 12-day intensive care stay underscores the severity of the bite. This incident may prompt local authorities to re-examine public education campaigns about snake safety and the importance of being aware of one's surroundings when outdoors, particularly in areas known to have rattlesnake populations. Residents in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area should be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions when venturing into wild or rural areas.
About this story
Original reporting by KRON4 (KRON-TV) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KRON4 (KRON-TV) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: KRON4 (KRON-TV) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (KRON) -- An Idaho man is recovering after a life-threatening rattlesnake bite during a family visit to Oroville, Northern California. Chris Howarth spent nearly two weeks in intensive care following the incident in his mother's garden. During his 12-day stay in intensive care, Howarth received 5...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by KRON4 (KRON-TV) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gayle Ong at KRON4 (KRON-TV). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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