A hiker in Tennessee tragically died after being bitten by a venomous snake, and officials believe the fatal mistake was that he picked up the snake.
The man, whose identity has not been released, was just half a mile down a trail at Savage Gulf State Park when first responders arrived around 12:30 p.m. last Friday, according to the Grundy County Emergency Management Agency.
After rescue workers performed life-saving efforts, the man was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Officials say the hiker was likely bitten by a timber rattlesnake, a highly venomous species found in the eastern U.S. Witnesses told first responders that they saw the man pick up the snake, which bit him on the hand, Matthew Griffith of the Grundy County EMA told ABC News Channel 9.
The man was believed to have died from an allergic reaction, although the full cause of death has not yet been released. It is unclear why he picked up the snake.
“The family of the individual will be in our thoughts and prayers,” Griffith said. “As always, it’s strongly recommended to carry first aid supplies when enjoying outdoor activities and to be aware of wildlife and the dangers some animals may pose.”
Griffith also advised anyone who encounters a snake to remain calm and avoid handling it.
The Grundy County EMA website describes timber rattlesnakes as the “largest, and the most dangerous, of the four venomous snakes in Tennessee.” These snakes can grow up to 5 feet long, with a large triangular head, vertical pupils, and a rattle at the end of their tail.
Most rattlesnake bites, however, are not fatal. According to the U.S. Forest Service, fewer than one in 600 bites result in death.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute notes that bites from timber rattlesnakes are rare. The species is generally more docile than other venomous snakes and usually hunts small rodents. Timber rattlesnakes often remain still if they are encountered in the wild.
