Advertisement

Wimauma teen bit in lip by water moccasin living in pillowcase

 
Published April 21, 2015

WIMAUMA — The teenager was roommates with the cottonmouth water moccasin for several days before the snake slithered from a pillowcase and bit him on the lip.

Austin Hatfield, 18, of Wimauma, was rushed to Tampa General Hospital late Saturday when the venomous snake, which he had been keeping in his bedroom, attacked. The teen's condition is improving, officials said, and he is expected to survive.

Florida Fish and Wildlife spokesman Gary Morse said Hatfield captured the snake earlier in the week and kept it in a pillowcase in his girlfriend's home in the 3000 block of Seminole Trail, where he also resides. The teen was lying on his bed when the snake escaped, Morse said. As it slithered across his chest and toward his face, Hatfield tried to grab it, but the snake latched onto his lip.

"Apparently, he did not try to kiss it," Morse said.

Cottonmouth water moccasins live in swampy habitats, Morse said, and can grow up to three or four feet long.

"Their venom is toxic and it causes extreme swelling, pain and it could be fatal," Morse said. "It's a good idea not to mess with them."

Possessing a venomous snake is illegal in Florida without a permit, Morse said, and Hatfield did not have one. No charges have been filed, but the teen could face legal repercussions once FWC officials are finished with their investigation.

They'll interview Hatfield once his condition improves.

Aaron Mesmer of WTVT-Channel 13, tweeted several images of the snakebite victim:

Witness says snake (cottonmouth water moccasin) was approx 4 ft. Says victim had it on chest when it bit his face. pic.twitter.com/mVbJhkQVNX

Here's a look at the before and after pic of the snake-bite victim from Wimauma. Was critical, currently recovering. pic.twitter.com/xCm8AwbNlR

Snake-bite victim visited by friends. The one who saw it happen talked w us & provided pics. Still worried abt victim pic.twitter.com/eDb5EVl5qO

Contact Katie Mettler at kmettler@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3446. Follow @kemettler.