A woman was reportedly bitten on the ankle by a rattlesnake during a hike in Southern California

The incident marks at least the seventh recorded rattlesnake bite in the region over the past month and a half, including two deaths, according to a local report

There are seven species of rattlesnake in California

A woman was bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking in Southern California, prompting a rescue from first responders. The medical emergency comes amid a rise in rattlesnake bites in the region.

On Sunday, April 12, at 3:38 p.m. local time, authorities hiked up the Buena Vista Trail in Kings Canyon National Park to assist an injured hiker, the Montecito Fire Department said in a statement shared on Instagram alongside video of the rescue. The woman was about three-quarters of a mile up the trail when she was bitten on the ankle by a reported rattlesnake.

“She did not have adequate cell service to call 911,” officials said, “but was able to send a text to a loved one, who then contacted emergency services.”

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As the unidentified woman made her way back down the trail, first responders, including firefighters and members of the Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue team, instructed her to keep blowing a whistle so they could locate her. Once found, she was transported to the trailhead in a Stokes basket before she was taken by ambulance to a hospital.

The woman's current condition was not released.

The Montecito Fire Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further comment.

“This is the second snakebite-related emergency on a Montecito hiking trail this month,” the fire department said, while CW affiliate KTLA reported that the incident marks at least the seventh recorded rattlesnake bite in Southern California over the past six weeks, with two resulting in death.

In California, there are almost 50 native snake species, including seven species of rattlesnake, according to the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

“Rattlesnakes typically avoid people. Bites are uncommon, but can occur if a snake feels threatened,” the agency said. “Most bites occur between April and October when snakes and humans are most active outdoors.”

The CDFW urges people to wear sturdy boots and loose-fitting long pants, stay on trails, and check logs or rocks before sitting on them, among other guidelines.

If a person does sustain a snakebite, they should remove clothing or jewelry that can restrict swelling and go to the nearest medical facility. The injured party should not apply a tourniquet, apply ice, try to suck out the venom or cut the wound, the agency warned.

“Remain vigilant and have an emergency plan in case of a bite,” the Montecito Fire Department said on Tuesday, adding, "If you are unable to reach 911 by phone, try text-to-911 or use satellite connectivity if available." They also said, "Knowing your location, including trail names and GPS coordinates, can significantly improve response times in an emergency."

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