Zoo worker rushed to hospital after being attacked by venomous rattlesnake

22 October 2023 , 11:49

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The woman was attacked at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (Image: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden/Facebook)

A zoo worker was rushed to hospital after she was bitten by a highly venomous rattlesnake during her shift.

The female employee, based at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Ohio, was in the "behind the scenes area" when the reptile launched its attack.

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake viciously lunged at the unnamed worker, who is stationed in the reptile house, at around 4pm on Thursday.

Michelle Curley, the zoo’s communications director, confirmed she is in a stable condition and only received a partial bite, meaning she didn't need antivenom.

Around 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the US (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The director confirmed the section was not open to the public and told the Cincinnati Enquirer : "No guests were ever at risk.” Over in Flordia, an Amazon driver was said to be in critical condition after she was attacked by a rattlesnake as she dropped off a package last month. The unnamed employee was reportedly bitten by an Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake the moment she placed the package down at an address in Palm City, Florida, on September 18. The reptile was coiled up near the front door when it struck the worker.

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The Martin County Sheriff's Office said she immediately became sick after it targeted the back of her leg, above the knee. She phoned emergency services and she was taken to a local hospital. A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Office said everyone is praying for her recovery, adding: "Together, with the Delivery Service Partner, we’re looking into the circumstances surrounding this incident and continue to make sure that drivers understand they should not complete a delivery if they feel unsafe."

The driver immeditaely fell ill (WPTV)

The sheriff's office urged locals to be careful of their surroundings. They added: "If you are scrolling through a phone while walking or at all distracted, you might not see them until it's too late. "If you are wearing ear pods and not listening to the outside element, you will not likely hear that warning."

It has been reported that around 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the US per year, with reports of 10 to 15 deaths, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is often viewed as the most dangerous venomous snake in North America. Recorded lengths of the Diamondback reach up to eight feet, while the largest weight is recorded at around 35 pounds.

Monica Charsley