Post by Graveyardbride on Apr 22, 2015 11:51:57 GMT -5
Florida Man Bitten While Kissing Snake
WIMAUMA, Fla. – A Florida man is recovering from a cottonmouth moccasin snake bite to his lip after he allegedly tried to kiss the serpent on the mouth. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies said Austin Hatfield (shown above before and after snakebite), 18, captured the 4-foot cottonmouth, also known as a water moccasin, while swimming last week and was keeping it in a pillowcase at his girlfriend's house.
Friends told investigators Hatfield was trying to kiss the snake when it struck. He was initially hospitalized in critical condition, but his status was upgraded and officials said he is expected to make a full recovery.
Investigators said Hatfield did not possess the proper permits required by the state to catch and keep cottonmouth snakes. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it is investigating the incident.
Source: Ben Hopper, UPI, April 22, 2015.
