A 71-year-old man was hospitalized after being bitten by his venomous pet snake, officials from a local fire department said.
The man was bitten by his Gaboon viper, which can have fangs up to 2 inches long and is not native to Florida, officials said.
Robert Smith is the only licensed venomous snake owner on his street where the attack was reported.
Officials said the man owns several non-native snakes and has permits for all of them.
Authorities have not said how the man was bitten, but they credit his experience and actions after the bite for saving his life.
Wildlife officials said they are optimistic about the man’s recovery becausae of his training on what to do after a snakebite and his 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,” FWC investigator Steve McDaniel said.
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 (of) 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 danger to the public from 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 Smith has been known to the agency for more than 20 years as a responsible snake owner with no previously known bites.
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