Photo: McDonald Wildlife Photography Inc. / Corbis / Getty Images
A hiker in Tennessee died after being bitten by a venomous snake at Savage Gulf State Park, officials reported. The incident occurred on Friday (August 8) when the man, whose identity has not been released, was bitten by what is believed to be a timber rattlesnake. The hiker was approximately half a mile down a trail when he picked up the snake, which then bit him on the hand.
First responders arrived at the scene around 12:30 p.m. and administered CPR before transporting the man to a local hospital, where he later died. The Grundy County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) noted that the hiker may have suffered an allergic reaction to the bite, though the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Timber rattlesnakes are the largest and most dangerous of the four venomous snake species in Tennessee, according to the state's Wildlife Resources Agency. Despite their size, they are generally more docile and tend to remain motionless when encountered in the wild. However, their venom is potent enough to be fatal, making any bite a medical emergency.
The hiker's decision to handle the snake was a critical mistake. In a statement to ABC News, Grundy County EMA Director Matthew Griffith advised that anyone encountering a snake should remain calm and avoid handling it. He also recommended carrying first aid supplies when hiking and being mindful of potential wildlife dangers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. each year, with about five fatalities. The CDC advises seeking immediate medical attention if bitten and cautions against trying to suck out the venom or applying ice to the bite.