Man Kiss Cottonmouth Snake, An 18-year-old Florida man may face charges after suffering a snakebite to the face from a water moccasin that nearly killed him, authorities say. Austin Hatfield had been keeping the snake at his home when it crawled out and bit him on the lip.
WKMG in Orlando reported April 22 that Austin Hatfield, an avowed snake enthusiast, had been trying to kiss the snake, according to some of his friends. Hatfield caught the water moccasin about a week ago while swimming.
According to the Tampa Tribune, state law requires an individual keeping venomous snakes to have a permit. Gary Morse, spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Hatfield was illegally possessing the water moccasin (which is also known as a cottonmouth) and did not have a proper permit for keeping or housing a venomous snake, so he could face charges. Said charges could come with a fine and even some time in jail. The Commission is investigating the incident.
Morse said that the water moccasin apparently escaped from a pillowcase on Hatfield's bed -- where he was keeping the reptile. It then slithered across his chest. When Hatfield attempted to retrieve the snake, it bit him on the lip.
Hatfield was rushed to the hospital, where he was in critical condition for some time, his face swollen from the snakebite. He is expected to survive. The snake, however, was euthanized and taken to the hospital for identification purposes.
The bite of a water moccasin (or cottonmouth) can be deadly but death from their bites are rare. Water moccasin bites are are among the most excruciatingly painful of snake bites, professional herpetologist Terry Phillip told ABC News, because their venom attacks red blood cells in such a way as to cause an immediate burning sensation upon injection, followed by swelling and inflammation. If not treated properly, the bite from a moccasin can lead to permanent damage of the nerves, kidneys and heart.
Phillip said that there are some 3,500 snake bites annually, with only about four resulting in death. Most of those bitten are male, he added, between the ages of 16 and 25. Alcohol is usually a contributing factor to circumstances as well.
As for a permit to handle and keep venomous snakes in Florida, they are not easily obtainable. Phillip said that it taks 1,000 hours of training under the guidance of a licensed expert to get one.
According to the Tampa Tribune, state law requires an individual keeping venomous snakes to have a permit. Gary Morse, spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Hatfield was illegally possessing the water moccasin (which is also known as a cottonmouth) and did not have a proper permit for keeping or housing a venomous snake, so he could face charges. Said charges could come with a fine and even some time in jail. The Commission is investigating the incident.
Morse said that the water moccasin apparently escaped from a pillowcase on Hatfield's bed -- where he was keeping the reptile. It then slithered across his chest. When Hatfield attempted to retrieve the snake, it bit him on the lip.
Hatfield was rushed to the hospital, where he was in critical condition for some time, his face swollen from the snakebite. He is expected to survive. The snake, however, was euthanized and taken to the hospital for identification purposes.
The bite of a water moccasin (or cottonmouth) can be deadly but death from their bites are rare. Water moccasin bites are are among the most excruciatingly painful of snake bites, professional herpetologist Terry Phillip told ABC News, because their venom attacks red blood cells in such a way as to cause an immediate burning sensation upon injection, followed by swelling and inflammation. If not treated properly, the bite from a moccasin can lead to permanent damage of the nerves, kidneys and heart.
Phillip said that there are some 3,500 snake bites annually, with only about four resulting in death. Most of those bitten are male, he added, between the ages of 16 and 25. Alcohol is usually a contributing factor to circumstances as well.
As for a permit to handle and keep venomous snakes in Florida, they are not easily obtainable. Phillip said that it taks 1,000 hours of training under the guidance of a licensed expert to get one.
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