In a shocking incident, a man died in Tennessee after getting bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking at a state park, PEOPLE reported citing local authorities. The man picked up a timber rattlesnake that bit him, eventually leading to his death, according to local officials.
Emergency personnel responded to the fatal incident around 12:30 p.m. local time on Friday, August 8, a spokesperson for the Grundy County Emergency Management Agency told PEOPLE in a statement.
Matthew Griffith of the Grundy County Emergency Management Agency said a Timber rattlesnake is believed to have been involved in the incident last Friday. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency describes Timber rattlesnakes as "the largest, and the most dangerous, of the 4 venomous snakes in Tennessee."
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The hiker, who has not been publicly identified, was about a half mile down a trail at Savage Gulf State Park when he was bitten.
Officials said that according to witnesses, the man grabbed a rattlesnake, believed to be a timber rattlesnake, which then bit his hand.
Timber rattlesnake bites are rare, according to the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institude.
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"Though it may strike if necessary, the timber rattlesnake is more docile than other members of its family and is more likely to stay coiled or stretched out, motionless when encountered in the wild," according to a post on the institute's website. "Like other vipers, the timber rattlesnake is venomous with venom potent enough to kill a human. A timber rattlesnake bite is a medical emergency."
CPR was initiated and the victim was transported to a hospital, but later died from his injuries, authorities told PEOPLE. An official cause of death has not been released.
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"The family of the individual will be in our thoughts and prayers," said Grundy County EMA Director Matthew Griffith, who thanked first responders for their efforts to save the man.
Griffith went on to encourage people to "be mindful of wildlife and the dangers that some wildlife may pose," during outdoor recreation activities. "If you encounter a snake, simply remain calm and do not attempt to handle it," the official added. "If bitten, seek immediate medical attention."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 7,000 to 8,000 people across the country are bitten by venomous snakes annually. About five of those victims die.
Emergency personnel responded to the fatal incident around 12:30 p.m. local time on Friday, August 8, a spokesperson for the Grundy County Emergency Management Agency told PEOPLE in a statement.
Matthew Griffith of the Grundy County Emergency Management Agency said a Timber rattlesnake is believed to have been involved in the incident last Friday. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency describes Timber rattlesnakes as "the largest, and the most dangerous, of the 4 venomous snakes in Tennessee."
ALSO READ: Woman wins 2025 Florida Python Challenge as record amount of snakes removed, takes home massive prize money
Man dies after picking up timber rattlesnake
"According to witnesses the hiker had picked the Rattlesnake up resulting in a bite to his hand," Griffith said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. "It is believed that the hiker had an allergic reaction, however full details of [the] actual cause of death have not been released."The hiker, who has not been publicly identified, was about a half mile down a trail at Savage Gulf State Park when he was bitten.
Officials said that according to witnesses, the man grabbed a rattlesnake, believed to be a timber rattlesnake, which then bit his hand.
Timber rattlesnake bites are rare, according to the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institude.
ALSO READ: 'My thigh was burning': Deadly shark attacks pregnant wife of ex- NBA player while swimming with her two kids
"Though it may strike if necessary, the timber rattlesnake is more docile than other members of its family and is more likely to stay coiled or stretched out, motionless when encountered in the wild," according to a post on the institute's website. "Like other vipers, the timber rattlesnake is venomous with venom potent enough to kill a human. A timber rattlesnake bite is a medical emergency."
CPR was initiated and the victim was transported to a hospital, but later died from his injuries, authorities told PEOPLE. An official cause of death has not been released.
ALSO READ: US fitness star, bodybuilder Hayley McNeff shared awe-inspiring message before her ‘unexpected’ death at 37
"The family of the individual will be in our thoughts and prayers," said Grundy County EMA Director Matthew Griffith, who thanked first responders for their efforts to save the man.
Griffith went on to encourage people to "be mindful of wildlife and the dangers that some wildlife may pose," during outdoor recreation activities. "If you encounter a snake, simply remain calm and do not attempt to handle it," the official added. "If bitten, seek immediate medical attention."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 7,000 to 8,000 people across the country are bitten by venomous snakes annually. About five of those victims die.
