Pregnant mother tries to suck rattlesnake venom from son’s foot


A California woman who is nine months pregnant says her “mama bear” instinct kicked in when her 4-year-old son was bitten by a rattlesnake.

Jaclyn Caramazza told Fox 40 that she was on a walk with her son Vinny when he stepped on something that at first looked like dog droppings.

Then it moved.

It turns out that the brown coil was a baby rattlesnake, and it bit Vinny on the foot.

The boy’s foot began to swell and turn purple within minutes.

Caramazza says her motherly instinct took over and she attempted to suck the venom out of her son’s foot.

Wildlife experts caution that is not the way to deal with a rattlesnake bite. Experts recommend calling 911 immediately and washing the wound with soap and water.

Officials also recommend wearing sturdy shoes and socks in areas where snakes are common. Avoid going barefoot in sandals, as the foot and ankle areas are where snakes tend to bite.

The mother and son made it to the hospital within minutes and both are doing well. Vinny’s foot and leg are on the mend and the venom that the mother attempted to suck out did not affect her or her unborn child.