Border Patrol K-9 recovering after being airlifted for rattlesnake bite
LA MESA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A U.S. Border Patrol K-9 is in stable condition and under observation after a venomous bite from a rattlesnake nearly ended his watch—until emergency vets in La Mesa stepped in.
'It was a very serious situation,' said San Diego Sector Border Patrol agent Esteffany Solano.
New cellphone video shows a dramatic scene as Border Patrol canine Boo was airlifted to Pet Emergency & Specialty Center last Friday.
Traffic was brought to a halt as the helicopter landed near Grossmont Boulevard and Jackson Drive. Agents are then seen carrying Boo while running to meet veterinary staff.
'Luckily his handler was able to identify his behavior was acting different. He noticed a rattlesnake,' Solano said.
The two-year-old German Shepherd was bit while working in the Otay Mountain Wilderness area. Solana explained the canine has been with the agency for two months and is trained in the detection of narcotics and illegal immigrants.
Quickly getting treatment from Dr. Jennifer Willey and her team saved Boo's life. While timing is crucial, Dr. Willey, Medical Director at Pet Emergency & Specialty Center, said, 'you can still give antivenom after 24 hours, it just becomes less effective.'
Bruce Ireland relocates snakes back to the wild for a living through his business, The Snake Wranglers.
With the warmer months here, he's getting up to 20 calls a day from homeowners all over San Diego County, mostly about rattlesnakes. His service has received double the number of calls this year compared to the same time last year.
'They come above ground and they're looking for a mate, they're looking for food, and they're looking for water,' said Ireland, founder of The Snake Wranglers.
If it's a nonvenomous species, such as a Gopher snake, Ireland encourages homeowners to let them stick around, as they are good with rodent mitigation.
Ireland advised that keeping dogs on a leash is key while hiking since nature is unpredictable.
'I'd say 50/50 whether they ever rattle or not. Some of them just never choose to rattle,' Ireland said.
Snakebites aren't limited to hiking trails.
'We've also noticed a lot of these happen in owner's own backyards,' Dr. Willey said.
In extreme cases, treatment for pets can cost tens of thousands of dollars. However, it's that critical care that's helping Boo recover.
'We're hoping to see him back here soon working with us,' Solano said.
Experts advise leaving rattlesnakes alone if spotted them in the wild. You can keep them away from your home by getting rid of sources of food, including anything that may attract rodents which snakes feed on. Also, eliminate debris and hiding spots, and install rattlesnake-proof fencing.
'None of the chemicals work. Sprays, powders, tablets. It's all just to get your money,' Ireland said. He also encourages pet owners to look into Rattlesnake Aversion Training.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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