Santa Barbara County Search And Rescue

More Mesa Rescue (5/16/26) - At approximately 3:30 p.m., SBCSAR was dispatched alongside and for a paraglider who had crashed into the cliffside at More Mesa.

The paraglider’s chute became caught on the edge of the cliff, and fellow paragliders quickly rigged an additional chute to help prevent the female pilot from falling.

Santa Barbara County Fire was first on scene, where crews established a rope system and lowered a medic over the cliff to secure the patient. Rescuers at the top then built a raising system and safely brought both the medic and paraglider back to the top.

Copter 308 remained on scene throughout the operation in the event a helicopter hoist rescue became necessary.

Fortunately, the pilot did not sustain any injuries and was released by medics on scene.

Montecito Peak Snake Bite (4/6/26) - At 10:55 A.M., , along with and , responded to the Cold Springs Trail for a hiker who had been bitten by a snake of unknown type. Copter 308 located the female hiker on the Ridge Trail and safely airlifted her to the hospital for further medical care.
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Rattlesnake Awareness

As temperatures rise across Santa Barbara County, rattlesnake activity increases on our local trails and in the backcountry. Whether you are hiking, trail running, or exploring with family, it is important to stay aware and prepared.

Rattlesnakes play an important role in our ecosystem and are generally not aggressive, but they will defend themselves if threatened. Most bites occur when someone gets too close or attempts to handle or move a snake.

How to Stay Safe:
• Stay on established trails and avoid tall grass or brush
• Watch where you step and place your hands, especially around rocks and logs
• Do not attempt to approach, move, or disturb a snake
• Keep children and dogs close and under control
• Be especially cautious during warmer parts of the day

If You Encounter a Rattlesnake:
• Stop immediately and remain calm
• Slowly back away and give the snake plenty of space
• Do not attempt to interact with it

If a Bite Occurs:
• Call 911 immediately
• Stay calm and limit movement to slow the spread of venom
• Keep the affected limb immobilized and elevated above heart level
• Remove tight clothing or jewelry near the bite area
• Do not apply ice, cut the wound, or attempt to suck out the venom

Early activation of emergency services is critical. Our team, along with our partner agencies, is ready to respond when needed.

Stay aware, stay prepared, and enjoy the outdoors safely.

Rattlesnake Canyon Trail Rescue (3/15/26) – At 9:17 AM, , along with , and , were dispatched for an injured hiker on Rattlesnake Canyon Trail. The hiker was located approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead after sustaining a minor head injury in a fall.

After being assessed by rescuers, the hiker was escorted down the trail while his condition continued to be monitored.

Upon reaching the trailhead, the hiker was reassessed by medics and elected to be transported to the hospital by ambulance for further medical care.

Technical Recovery – West Camino Cielo

Over the weekend, emergency responders were dispatched to a remote section of West Camino Cielo after a pickup truck left the roadway and traveled down a steep embankment in the mountains above Goleta.

The solo driver was found deceased at the scene. Due to the rugged terrain, Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SBCSAR) was called in to assist. Our team accessed the individual and coordinated hoist extraction by helicopter from .

Anyone with potentially helpful information is asked to call the CHP Santa Barbara office () at (805) 770-4800. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Bureau will release the identity of the victim pending notification of next of kin.

Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.