Person hospitalized after reported snakebite in Big Cypress

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. - A person was taken to a hospital Sunday morning after a reported snakebite in Big Cypress National Preserve, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

Greater Naples Fire Rescue District said sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and emergency medical crews responded to the incident. The sheriff’s office said the initial call reported that a person had been bitten by a snake.

The sheriff’s office said the person was transported to a hospital that offers antivenom treatment. Deputies have not identified the type of snake involved, confirmed whether it was venomous or released the person’s condition.

According to Big Cypress, the preserve is home to four venomous snake species: the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, cottonmouth, eastern coral snake and pygmy rattlesnake.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says snakes generally try to avoid people and will usually move away when given the chance. Most snakebites happen when people attempt to handle a snake, though hikers can also unknowingly step too close to one hidden along a trail.

“The thing with snakes, they don’t like to bite. Biting is the last thing snakes want to do,” environmental educator Ranger Rob Howell said. “It’s usually when people are either messing with them, doing stuff they shouldn’t be, especially if they’re not a trained professional, or they stumble across where the snake is unknowing and make a bad step or something.”

Howell said hikers should stay aware of their surroundings, wear sturdy footwear and respect any snake they encounter.

“There’s nothing to fear with any snakes, but there’s a lot to respect with all snakes,” Howell said. “You just have to be aware of them and respect them.”

Florida Poison Control says anyone who is bitten should seek emergency medical care immediately and remove jewelry or tight clothing near the bite. People should not use ice or a tourniquet, cut the bite or attempt to suck out the venom.