Florence Man Gravely Ill After Bite from Most Venomous Snake
Echoes of Alarm after Unusual Snake Attack
A man in Florence, South Carolina, continues to fight for his life in a serious condition after being attacked by the world’s deadliest snake, the inland taipan. The venomous creature was among 14 other snakes euthanized after being discovered in the home of the victim following the incident. The news has sent shock-waves not only throughout the local community but also among herpetologists globally.
Disturbing Discovery at a Local Household
The victim, identified as Jeffrey Leibowitz, called for emergency medical services on Friday morning after sustaining a snakebite at his residence on Marion Street. However, it was only a few hours later that it was revealed that the bite was inflicted by an inland taipan, that holds the rank for being the most venomous snake in the world.
With the suspicion of other venomous snakes inhabiting Leibowitz’s household, local police obtained a warrant to carry out a search. The process led to the discovery of an array of venomous serpents including a green mamba, two gaboon vipers, one fer-de-lace, one death adder, one eastern diamondback rattlesnake, two black forest cobras, two adult rattlesnakes, two neotropical rattlesnakes, one small rattlesnake, and the inland taipan that bit the patient.
Potential Death Sentence
The inland taipan, native to Australia, is notorious for containing the most potent venom among its compatriots, according to Jeff Camper, a biologist and snake specialist at Francis Marion University.
“One single bite from the same type of snake that bit Leibowitz can cause the death of up to 100 people,” reported Camper. “Its venom contains human toxic components, neurotoxic components, and components that affect the muscles and heart. It is an extremely potent and dangerous venom.”
The antivenom to treat the patient was rapidly transported from Florida following the diagnosis and identification of the serpent. However, the recovery journey for Leibowitz is predicted to be arduous, if not near impossible.
Legal Implications of Exotic Snake Ownership
Intriguingly, the law in South Carolina does not prohibit the possession of such venomous and exotic creatures. However, the trading, transportation, and re-homing of such creatures are against the state regulations.
After an unsuccessful attempt to contact various facilities to provide care for the snakes, they were eventually euthanized due to concerns regarding their unknown health status and potential threat.
“[Florence Police Department] attempted to have these animals collected by professional facilities so that they may not be euthanized but could be studied or displayed in a professional environment”, a spokesperson said. “However, no facilities were ready to accept the snakes. Hence, euthanizing them was the only course of action left.”
