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Jaguar's Life Cut Short by Rattlesnake Bite
19 Sep
Summary
- A 14-year-old black jaguar named Samba died from a venomous snake bite.
- The jaguar received antivenom but died during anesthesia recovery.
- Samba's death highlights an unusually active rattlesnake season in California.
A 14-year-old black jaguar named Samba at Project Survival's Cat Haven in Dunlap, California, has died following a venomous snake bite. Staff noticed significant swelling in Samba's leg, prompting immediate emergency veterinary care. Veterinarians administered antivenom, and initial tests showed a decrease in venom levels.
Despite a seemingly positive response to treatment, Samba's heart stopped during anesthesia recovery. Staff were unable to revive her. Her death occurs during a period described as an especially dangerous rattlesnake season statewide, with increased snake encounters reported at the sanctuary.
Cat Haven employs a non-lethal approach to snakes, relocating them away from the animals. Experts attribute the rise in encounters to an unusually warm start to the year, leading to earlier emergence of snakes and increased outdoor activity for both wildlife and humans.
