Hiker's Tragic Fate: Rattlesnake Bite Proves Deadly in Tennessee

According to a report published on August 16th, 2025, a hiker in Tennessee's Savage Gulf State Park tragically lost his life after being bitten by a timber rattlesnake on August 8th. The incident occurred on a hiking trail in the scenic park, which is home to various snake species.

Eyewitnesses stated that the unidentified man had picked up the snake and was bitten on his hand. Emergency medical workers reached the hiker about half a mile along the trail and immediately administered CPR, but he later died at a nearby hospital.

Experts suspect the hiker's death was not due to the venom's effects, but rather a severe allergic reaction. "Some people just may be plain allergic to snake venom," explained William Sutton, an assistant professor at Tennessee State University who studies snakes. This type of allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can cause the airways to narrow and blood pressure to drop, potentially leading to a life-threatening situation.

Timber rattlesnakes, found across the eastern United States, are generally not aggressive unless provoked. Authorities and experts urge hikers to be cautious and give snakes a wide berth if encountered on the trail. While snakebites can be treated, this tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with venomous wildlife.