WINTER PARK, Fla. — A 71-year-old man was hospitalized after being bitten by his venomous pet snake, officials from the Winter Park Fire Department said.
The man was bitten by his pet Gaboon viper, which can have fangs of up to 2-inches long and is not native to Florida, officials said.
Robert Smith is the only licensed venomous snake owner on Temple Drive in Winter Park, where the attack happened.
Officials said the man owns several non-native snakes, all of which he has permits for.
Authorities have not said exactly how the man was bitten, but are crediting his experience and actions after the bite for so far, saving his life.
Wildlife officials said they are optimistic about the man’s recovery given the snake owner’s training on what to do after a snakebite and the quick access to anti-venom.
“He was bitten, I think on the hand, I don’t know which one, but based on the evidence, it looks just like a simple keeper mishap,” said FWC investigator Steve McDaniel.
Adult Gaboon vipers can grow up to 6-feet long and weigh at least 20 pounds. FWC officials said the vipers in the home were young and weren’t more than 20-inches long, but the animals can still pack a dangerous bite.
“A snake that small, 20 inches, a Gaboon, has enough venom to kill a couple people,” McDaniel said.
FWC said the victim is a retired science teacher and followed all required guidelines for owning venomous snakes.
Smith holds licenses for four different species of venomous snakes, records show.
FWC officers said there’s no concern to the public regarding Smith’s snakes.
“We made sure the house was locked up and there’s a neighbor, a friend who will check on the snakes, as will we,” McDaniel said.
McDaniel said that for more than 20 years, Smith had been known to the agency as a responsible snake owner with no previously known bites.
WFTV
