Snake bite victim talks about his dangerous lifestyle
Last updated on: 8/29/2007 6:33:53 PM by Meaghan Smith
CHARLOTTE COUNTY: The man who was bitten by a venomous snake talked about the attack Wednesday from his hospital bed.
David Weathers is a snake handler and while cleaning out a cage Tuesday night, he was bitten by an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.
"At the same time I was letting go. I felt her teeth just hit me," said Weathers.
He owns about 150 snakes and this isn't the first time one of them has turned on him.
But he quickly knew this latest bite was serious.
Within 15 minutes he was losing feeling in his legs. Emergency crews airlifted him to Lee Memorial Hospital where he received anti-venin.
"I don't expect it to happen, but I accept it when it happens," said Weathers.
The 30-year-old says he likes living dangerously.
"It's what I do. I'm a snake guy. I'm a venomous snake handler," said Weathers.
About four years ago, he was attacked by a cobra.
Weathers says despite this latest encounter with a venomous snake, he will be back at work very soon.
"As soon as I can walk again, I've still got about a half dozen more to clean," he said.
And his run-ins with snakes and other wildlife have gotten the attention of the national media. Weathers has been on MTV, Animal Planet and even the National Geographic Channel.
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