California jaguar dies from rattlesnake bite at sanctuary

A black jaguar named Samba has died at the Project Survival Cat Haven sanctuary near Fresno, California, following a rattlesnake bite. The 14- or 15-year-old jaguar was rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic after caretakers discovered puncture wounds and significant swelling on her paw and leg. Despite receiving two vials of antivenom, the animal's condition worsened, and she did not survive. Officials are awaiting the results of a necropsy to determine the exact cause of death.

In a separate incident in Palmdale, a woman and her pet cat were both bitten by the same rattlesnake on consecutive days. The woman experienced severe symptoms, including facial numbness and difficulty swallowing, but recovered after receiving antivenom at a hospital. The cat, named Magic, also received veterinary treatment and is recovering. Experts have used these incidents to remind residents to exercise caution around brush and shaded areas, particularly during periods of extreme heat.