Dueling Rattlesnakes Caught on Video

The footage comes amidst a surge in snakebites in the area.

August 3, 2026 · Thousand Oaks

Two large rattlesnakes were filmed locked in a rare "combat dance" on a Thousand Oaks street this week, the latest in a summer of surging snake encounters.

The [video](https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/watch-rattlesnakes-dance-california-regional-bite-surge), captured Tuesday morning near a storm drain at Lynn Rd. and Via Las Brisas, shows the snakes entwined and rearing high off the asphalt. The filmer, who spotted them on his way to work, told Storyful the display appeared to be a show of power. Experts say the behavior is likely a territorial duel between two rival males.

The viral moment comes amidst an unprecedented year for rattlesnakes in California. [Poison control officials say](https://www.foxla.com/news/thousand-oaks-california-rattlesnakes) they've received nearly 250 rattlesnake bite and encounter calls in the first six months of 2026, including three fatalities, a toll one 30-year veteran of the agency said exceeds his entire career total.