Quick Take
- A herpetologist was bitten during a controlled venom extraction, and what happened in that split second reveals just how fast things can go wrong, even for the experts. See the milking incident →
- Eastern diamondback venom doesn't work the way most people imagine. Its mechanism inside the body is far more destructive than a simple toxin. Understand the venom effects →
- Most instinctive reactions to a snake bite can actually make the situation worse, and the article breaks down what to do instead. Learn the right response →
- Your ability to remain calm has a direct physical effect on how the venom spreads. See why calm matters →
Being bitten by a snake is many people’s biggest fear, and for good reason. Not only is the bite itself extremely painful, but the venom is dangerous and potentially deadly. Rattlesnakes are among the most venomous snakes in North America, and their bites can be fatal if not treated promptly. This YouTube video by Quasi Charles Bowen shows a herpetologist being bitten by one while trying to extract the snake’s venom, and thankfully, he was able to recover. Read here to learn more about what you should do if bitten.
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes have one of the most potent venoms among North American snakes.
©Mike Wilhelm/Shutterstock.com
Snake Milking Safety
The video above is a live demonstration of a snake milking that went wrong. Snake milking is the process of extracting venom from a snake, which can then be used to develop medicine and antivenoms. During the milking process, this snake bit its handler. Although the bite lasted less than a second, it still posed an extremely dangerous situation. Thankfully, the handler, herpetologist George Van Horn, got care at a local hospital and had a full recovery. The demonstration was done at Reptile World Serpentarium, a reptile zoo in Florida that has conducted this demonstration for years. As of April 2026, Reptile World Serpentarium in Florida remains open and continues to provide educational venom milking demonstrations.
If bitten, remain calm and call for help. Panic can increase blood flow, causing more damage.
©Jeff Hall
What to Do If You‘re Bitten
Being bitten by a snake—especially an eastern diamondback rattlesnake—is terrifying. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are one of the most dangerous snakes in North America. Their venom is primarily hemotoxic, meaning it destroys red blood cells, damages tissue, and can affect blood clotting. A bite results in extreme pain, internal bleeding, tissue death, and even organ failure in severe cases. Bites can be fatal, but thankfully, fatalities are rare with modern treatment. If you are bitten, it is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention. It is best to call 911 for help and get transported to the hospital. There, you can receive antivenom to neutralize the venom. Without treatment, permanent damage can occur, so it is essential to seek medical help.
To avoid being bitten, it is important to stay vigilant, especially in natural areas. Watch where you step, and listen for rattle warnings. If you see an eastern diamondback rattlesnake, put as much space as possible between you and the snake, as they can strike up to about one-third to one-half of their body length.
If you are bitten and immediate help is not available, remain as calm as possible to slow the spread of the venom. Similarly, keep the bite site elevated to reduce tissue damage. Since swelling can set in quickly, remove any tight clothing or jewelry that could restrict circulation. Following these tips can greatly reduce the chances of permanent damage. However, you should always seek professional medical attention rather than attempting to treat the bite yourself.
