Snake bites, kills Tennessee hiker at Savage Gulf State Park… here’s how it happened

A hiking trip in Tennessee’s Savage Gulf State Park turned deadly after a man was bitten by a venomous snake, authorities confirmed on Thursday.

The incident happened on August 8, when emergency crews from Grundy County responded to reports of a hiker in distress near one of the park’s trailheads. According to Grundy County Emergency Management Agency Director Matthew Griffith, rescuers — including EMS personnel, firefighters, and park rangers — found the man about half a mile down the trail.

Witness accounts suggest the hiker had picked up a snake during his trek. The reptile, believed to be a timber rattlesnake, struck and bit him on the hand. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. Officials suspect an allergic reaction may have contributed to his death, though the official cause is still pending.

Griffith urged outdoor enthusiasts to avoid handling wildlife, no matter how harmless it might appear. “If you encounter a snake, remain calm, keep your distance, and never attempt to pick it up,” he advised. “Always carry a basic first aid kit and seek medical attention immediately if bitten.”

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency describes timber rattlesnakes as the largest and most dangerous of the state’s four venomous species. Typically ranging from 3 to 5 feet in length, they have broad, flat heads, dark crossbands, and a distinctive rust-colored stripe down their back. Although they are more likely to remain still than to strike, they can deliver a potent bite if provoked.

Fatalities from rattlesnake bites are rare in the United States — the U.S. Forest Service notes that fewer than one in 600 bites result in death. Timber rattlesnakes primarily prey on small rodents and are often found in wooded, rocky terrain or basking on sunlit surfaces.

Savage Gulf State Park, located roughly 95 miles southeast of Nashville, is a popular destination for hikers, boasting around 60 miles of scenic trails, waterfalls, and deep gorges. This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the hidden risks in even the most picturesque wilderness areas.

Timber Rattlesnake Bites: What You Need to Know

Timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) are among the most recognizable — and feared — venomous snakes in the eastern United States. While their bite is rare, it can be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. Here’s what hikers, campers, and outdoor explorers should understand about them.

1. How Timber Rattlesnake Venom Works

The timber rattlesnake’s venom is a potent mix of toxins designed to immobilize prey and aid digestion. It contains:

• Hemotoxins – that damage tissue, disrupt blood clotting, and cause internal bleeding.

• Neurotoxins – that can impair nerve signaling in severe cases.

While bites are seldom fatal thanks to modern antivenom treatments, the venom can cause permanent tissue damage if left untreated.

2. What Happens After a Bite

A timber rattlesnake bite typically causes:

• Immediate sharp pain at the bite site

• Swelling and bruising within minutes

• Redness and warmth around the wound

  
  
  

• Possible nausea, dizziness, or weakness

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in rare cases, which can be life-threatening

Without prompt care, symptoms can worsen, leading to extensive tissue destruction.

3. What to Do If You’re Bitten

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:

• Call 911 immediately — do not wait to see how you feel.

• Stay as still and calm as possible to slow venom spread.

• Keep the affected limb at or slightly below heart level.

• Remove tight items (rings, watches, boots) before swelling starts.

• Cover the bite loosely with a clean, dry cloth.

Do NOT:

• Attempt to suck out venom

• Cut the wound

• Apply ice directly

• Use a tourniquet

4. Treatment and Recovery

At the hospital, doctors will monitor vital signs and may administer antivenom. Recovery time depends on:

• Amount of venom injected

• Bite location

• How quickly treatment was received

Most patients recover in days to weeks, though severe bites may require surgery or physical therapy.

5. Avoiding a Timber Rattlesnake Bite

• Watch where you step or place your hands in wooded or rocky areas.

• Wear boots and long pants when hiking in snake-prone habitats.

• Never try to pick up or provoke a snake — even if it seems sluggish or dead.

• Learn to recognize their warning signs: the iconic rattle sound, coiled posture, or sudden stillness.

Timber rattlesnakes play an important role in controlling rodent populations and are generally shy, but their bite can be dangerous. Awareness, caution, and prompt medical action are your best defenses.