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Pittsburg Toddler Bitten By Backyard Rattlesnake Recovering At Hospital

PITTSBURG (CBS SF) — Officials say a 2-year-old girl bitten by a rattlesnake in the East Bay is in stable condition.

Officials at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland tell the San Jose Mercury News doctors will continue to monitor the toddler but she could be released Thursday or Friday.

The girl was in the backyard of her home in Pittsburg when the snake bit her Tuesday night.

Contra Costa Fire Battalion Chief Josh Andrews says crews found the snake nearby.

MORE: What To Do When A Rattlesnake Bites You, Tips From Sonoma County Reptile Rescue

Officials say the toddler was treated on scene and then transported by medical helicopter to Oakland's Children's hospital.

Meanwhile in Folsom, a 4-year-old was bitten after stepping on a baby rattlesnake coiled on a bike trail. Within minutes, his ankle started to swell and turn purple as the venom spread.

"Mama Bear instinct in me decided to suck the venom out because that's what apparently Bonanza does," his mother said.

But emergency officials say that's the wrong thing to do. Instead a snake bite should be treated like a basic wound -- wash it and call 911.

They also warn everyone in snake prone areas, especially in a drought when snakes tend to go searching for water, to cut your grass to give them fewer places to hide.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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