Santa Clarita, California — A potentially dangerous situation at a Southern California preschool ended safely after a young child noticed a rattlesnake hiding inside a playground structure and immediately alerted a teacher.
The discovery occurred Thursday afternoon at a preschool in the Saugus neighborhood of Santa Clarita, where a venomous rattlesnake was found inside a playhouse used by children. Thanks to the quick actions of the child and school staff, the snake was removed before anyone was harmed.
The incident has drawn attention as California continues to experience an unusually active year for rattlesnake encounters.
Child Alerts Teacher After Spotting Snake
According to local rattlesnake removal expert Cary Quashen, the call came in around 4:30 p.m. after a child noticed something unusual inside a playground structure.
The preschooler reportedly informed a teacher after spotting the rattlesnake coiled inside the playhouse.
Recognizing the potential danger, school staff immediately contacted Quashen, who responded to the location to assess the situation and safely remove the animal.
The snake was found inside an area regularly used by children, making the quick response especially important.
Snake Safely Removed Before Anyone Was Hurt
Video shared by Quashen later showed the rattlesnake coiled near the play structure as he carefully approached and captured it using professional equipment.
After ensuring the area was safe and confirming that no children had been bitten, Quashen relocated the snake away from the school.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Reflecting on the incident afterward, Quashen expressed relief that the situation ended without anyone being harmed.
“Thank God it all worked out fine,” Quashen wrote in a social media post accompanying footage of the removal.
The successful capture prevented what could have been a much more serious incident at the preschool.
California Seeing Unusual Spike in Rattlesnake Incidents
The close call comes during what experts describe as an alarming year for rattlesnake activity across California.
According to reported figures, the state recorded 77 rattlesnake-related calls and three confirmed deaths during the first three months of 2026 alone.
Those numbers are significantly higher than California’s typical annual average, which usually sees between zero and one rattlesnake-related fatality each year.
Medical experts and herpetologists associated with the California Poison Control System have reportedly described the early-year statistics as both highly unusual and deeply concerning.
The increase has prompted renewed warnings about snake safety as warmer weather encourages more outdoor activity.
Experts Urge Residents to Stay Alert
Quashen, often referred to locally as the “snake wrangler of Santa Clarita,” has spent years responding to rattlesnake sightings throughout the region.
His work documenting snake removals has helped educate residents about the risks associated with encounters involving venomous wildlife.
Experts advise anyone who encounters a rattlesnake to remain calm, keep a safe distance, and avoid attempting to handle or remove the animal themselves.
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Wildlife professionals warn that even experienced individuals can be bitten when trying to move a snake without proper training and equipment.
As California continues to experience increased rattlesnake activity, incidents like the one at the Santa Clarita preschool serve as an important reminder that awareness and quick action can help prevent serious injuries.
In this case, a child’s attentiveness and a teacher’s swift response helped ensure that what could have become a dangerous situation ended safely for everyone involved.
What do you think about this close call? Have you ever encountered a rattlesnake in your neighborhood or near a school or park? Share your thoughts and experiences respectfully in the comments below.
