Sheriff's Deputy Suffers Rattlesnake Bite On Pot Removal Detail

MORGAN HILL, CA — A Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputy hiking off San Antonio Valley Road in the outskirts of Morgan Hill was airlifted to the hospital when a rattlesnake bit his leg while he was hiking on assignment with a Marijuana Eradication Team.

The M.E.T. team was situated east of Mt. Hamilton in the early morning hours. As it warmed up in the afternoon, the rattlesnake emerged, prompting a call for an air ambulance due to the terrain and location of the call.

Despite being bit, the deputy and his team hiked about one mile back to their vehicle before driving to the helicopter landing zone.

At approximately 1:49pm, CalStar arrived on scene. As of 5 p.m., he was reported to be "in good spirits," sheriff's spokesman Michael Low told Patch. "They just wanted to get out of there."

He remains in stable condition and is being treated by medical staff. The MET team was
initially scouting the area for possible marijuana grows and found infrastructures of a recently used grow. They located a large amount of trash, camping supplies, hundreds of yards of irrigation pipe and large areas of trees and brush that were cut down and removed to make space for the garden.

“This incident reminds us of the inherent dangers that deputies face each and every day trying to keep the public safe. Illegal marijuana grows and drug manufacturers create an immense danger to not only law enforcement, but the community as a whole. We are wishing our deputy a speedy recovery.” Sheriff Laurie Smith said.

His identity is undisclosed.

As a safety reminder to all, rattlesnakes are known to be out more frequently during hot summer days. Citizens are warned to be cautious and aware of their surroundings as they step out during hikes.