ORLANDO, Fla.,None — The J.W. Marriott is not where you'd expect to find one of Florida's most dangerous snakes. But a poisonous water moccasin bit a hotel guest Tuesday and now, the man's fighting for his life at Dr. Phillip's Hospital.
READ FULL STATEMENT: Executive On Snake Bite
WFTV talked to the man's wife on the phone. She is by her husband's bed-side and says the snake bite victim has been seeing doctor's all day.
There is no word on when he may leave the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Eric Geisman, 45, is in Central Florida for a food management convention at the J.W. Marriott Resort in south Orange County. His wife said Geisman was walking along a pathway near one of the resort pools when he stepped on the nearly 3-foot-long poisonous cottonmouth water moccasin Monday night. The snake reacted and bit the Rhode Island man on his ankle.
Geisman was rushed to the hospital and admitted to the ICU. The hospital provided two doses of anti-venom.
Guests of the hotel say it concerns them to know dangerous snakes, like water moccasins, exist on the property.
"There should be some kinda of Eco Lab or Terminix. I shouldn't be using brand names on TV but some kind of pest control. Yeah, it's scary," visitor Nancy Ragozzino said.
Experts say water moccasins are extremely common in Florida. There are about 50 reported bites in Central Florida each year. It's one of the most venomous snakes around and they don't normally fear humans.
The snake that latched onto Geisman's leg was caught, taken off the property and killed.
Exterminators say water moccasins can't be trapped. They say areas that may have the snakes should be checked every other month for nesting sites and if found, the snakes have to be physically removed from the property.
Marriott Resorts issued a statement to WFTV (read it). "The safety and security of our guests and associates is one of our highest priorities. Whenever we are made aware of a situation where animals may be a threat to guests or approach resort areas we address it immediately."
The Florida water moccasin, or cotton mouth snake averages three feet in length and can be found in every Florida county. They spend most of the day resting near water, in the brush or low-hanging trees. The snakes are also more active in cooler temperatures and have no rattle to warn of their approach. Their bites cause great pain and swelling. The venom destroys red blood cells and the walls of blood vessels.