Sheriff's officials urge caution after deputy bitten by rattlesnake

A Franklin County sheriff's deputy as bitten by a rattlesnake on Sunday but has fully recovered from the incident.

The Sheriff's office said Deputy Travis Osburn was bitten twice by a rattlesnake while investigating a suspicious vehicle near the Apalachicola airport.

He was treated and released from the local hospital.

The sheriff's office is now warning everyone about the dangers of snakes in our area.

April to October is when most snakebites occur in Florida.

There are about 50 species of snakes in the state but the most dangerous include the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, dusky pygmy rattlesnake, eastern coral snake, water moccasins, and southern copperhead snakes.

When you are outdoors, try to stay away from high grass and out of the woods – if that's not possible be aware of your surroundings.

If you are bit there will be severe pain and you will likely see swelling and possibly dying or decaying tissue around the bite.

Untreated, snake bites can lead to hypotension and shock, lethargy and weakness, and even muscle tremors.

Antivenin is most effective if its used quickly, so the sooner you can get to a hospital the better.

If you don’t have quick access to medical treatment, then do what you can to stay calm, Keep your activity to a minimum, and try to drink as much fluid as possible until you can get medical treatment.

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