National Zoo snake bites self, sends keeper to hospital
A typical Monday at the Smithsonian National Zoo took a nearly dangerous turn for a snake handler when she had venom spat into her eye.
- (Photo: Associated Press)
The snake handler was moving a cottonmouth to a temporary shelter for routine exhibit cleaning when the snake bit its own tail, causing it to release a combination of venom, urine and feces, a zoo spokesperson said.
She was treated at the zoo’s medical facility and then taken to the hospital as a precaution.
The zoo spokesperson said the snake handler is feeling well.
The cottonmouth is also known as the pit viper or water moccasin.
Luckily, D.C. Fire responded quickly to the handler's injuries...and to their Twitter account:
EMS - snake bite - National Zoo - 3001 Connecticut Av NW - health unit - adult employee bit by snake
dcfireems
dcfireems
Update - Zoo - Cotton Mouth Viper 'spit' at keeper - EMS evaluated & transported adult female - checkup not serious anti-venom on boarddcfireems
dcfireems
RecommendedRecent Facebook Activity
Best of TBD In case you missed it
-
The worst meals in America
Here's a visual look at the eight most delicious, disgusting meals in the country.
TBD Blogs What you need to read
-
@TBD Arts
Kennedy Center to give away tickets to every show of the 2011-2012 season
-
The Market Report
Yes! Organic Market makes first step outside D.C.
-
@TBD On Foot
Metro is still inviting people to a meeting that happened in May
Only On 7
-
ABC7's Interactive 7-day Forecast!
Now you can get customized weather right down to your street! Plan your day and week ahead with ABC7's Interactive 7-day forecast!
No comments