Hiker suffers rattlesnake bite

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – A male hiker in his early 50s was bitten on the hand by a rattlesnake on Friday, Aug. 31, off State Route 75 South toward Helen in Towns County.

According to a paramedic who responded to the scene, the hiker was attempting to pick up the rattlesnake when it struck.

The hiker walked approximately two miles out of the woods, where he received treatment from first responders, and soon thereafter, was air-lifted for further medical care.

The victim was listed in non-critical, stable condition at the time of departure.

Approximately 7,000 venomous snake bite cases are reported each year in the United States. A bite from a venomous snake is rarely deadly — about 6 fatalities are reported every year — but it should be treated as a medical emergency.