A hiker lost his life after a venomous snake bit him in Tennessee’s Savage Gulf State Park on Friday, an official said.
Witnesses said the hiker attempted to handle a rattlesnake, resulting in a bite to his hand, Grundy County Emergency Management Agency (GCEMA) Director Matthew Griffith told the Daily Caller. The snake was suspected of being a timber rattlesnake.
Emergency responders were sent out at around 12:30 p.m. and found him approximately half a mile down the trail, where Grundy EMS initiated CPR, the director said. Authorities rushed the hiker to a nearby hospital, but he “succumbed to his injuries.”
The hiker’s death is thought to have been caused by an allergic reaction to the snake’s venom, though the agency has yet to release the full cause of death, according to Griffith.
“The family of the individual will be in our thoughts and prayers,” the director told the Caller. “As always it’s strongly recommended to have some kind of first aid supplies while enjoying outdoor recreational activities and be mindful of wildlife and the dangers that some wildlife may pose. If you encounter a snake simply remain calm and do not attempt to handle it. If bitten seek immediate medical attention.”
Timber rattlesnakes are considered the “largest, and the most dangerous” venomous snakes in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. These snakes typically dwell in heavily wooded areas and are known for their docile nature, often remaining still when encountered, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute said. Timber rattlesnakes rarely bite humans
The park itself, part of the larger South Cumberland State Park, spans almost 16,000 acres and offers numerous recreational opportunities like hiking to rock climbing, WKRN reported.
Editor’s note: Article updated to clarify current knowledge about the snake.