Local kindergartener bitten by rattlesnake released from hospital

Update: 10/15/25

The five-year-old bitten by a rattlesnake last week has been released from the hospital, her mother told News Channel 3 on Wednesday.

“Our daughter has been released from Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital after receiving 48 vials of antivenom, and several hours of sedation. She will need testing every 3 days and is being monitored for serum illness at home as it can be a side effect of the medication which can happen any time between now and 3 weeks from now,” the mother said.

Original Report: 10/10/25

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) — New details are emerging after a 5-year-old kindergartener was bitten by a rattlesnake during lunch recess at Gerald Ford Elementary School in Indian Wells on Friday afternoon.

The girl’s mother tells News Channel 3 her daughter was bitten on her index finger while playing on the playground. Another student, also 5 years old, jumped in and pulled the snake off the girl, killing it.

The child was taken to the hospital, where she was first treated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit before being moved to acute care early Saturday morning. Her mother says she has received 44 vials of antivenom so far, though doctors are still determining if more will be needed.

At one point, swelling from the bite cut off circulation to her hand and fingers, but hospital staff were able to restore blood flow before surgery was needed. Her care team continues to work closely with poison control and pit viper experts across the country to ensure her recovery.

The snake has been identified as a Colorado Desert Sidewinder, a small species of horned pit viper native to the region.

The family has been relocated to the Ronald McDonald House while their daughter continues to receive treatment. They are asking for continued thoughts and prayers during what they call a terrifying and difficult time.

The Desert Sands Unified School District confirmed that staff immediately called 911 and brought the student and another nearby student to the office out of an abundance of caution. Both students were evaluated, with one transported to the hospital.

The playground was immediately cleared and all students were brought inside. It remained closed for the rest of the day while pest control conducted a thorough inspection.

The district later released an additional statement saying:

“The playgrounds will remain closed until treatment to the area is complete. This step is being taken out of an abundance of caution to ensure student and staff safety. We will provide an update as soon as we have confirmation the area is clear.”

Pest control crews are continuing to inspect and treat the area. News Channel 3 will provide updates as the girl’s recovery continues.