Venomous snake captured after it bites Pembroke Pines man, 19
PEMBROKE PINES – It’s snake season in South Florida, and a Pembroke Pines resident learned that the hard way.
Zamar Miller, 19, took one step out the front door of his home about 10 p.m. July 4 and was bitten on the foot by a venomous water moccasin.
“It was just a shock,” he said. “I ran back inside and then my life just flashed through my head. I didn’t know what was next.”
“[He] jumped, skipped, hopped, and started screaming,” said his mother Denise Morris.
Often called a cottonmouth, the snake was captured in the Cobblestone community, Pembroke Pines police said Wednesday.
Four officers found the snake outside Miller’s home — south of Pines Boulevard and west of Interstate 75 — helped catch it, and then released it in a wetlands area away from people.
They also took pictures of the reptile so fire rescue paramedics could identify the snake species and administer the correct antivenom to treat him, police said.
“I felt weaker,” he said. “I felt a throbbing pain throughout my leg.”
Miller stayed in the hospital until Monday night. He is using a walker to get around but is expected to make a full recovery.
“He’s doing much better than before,” Morris said. “He started to walk around but [does] not want to put weight on the foot because it hurts and it’s still swollen.”
Miller came home during the Fourth of July break from summer classes at the University of Central Florida and Valencia College in Orlando.
“I never knew about snake-bite season,” Morris said.
“But I do know the snakes are typically a little more active around this time of year, especially with the rain.”
Snake season runs from April through October so people are being advised to use caution when walking in or near tall grass and wilderness areas. Officials advise: When working outdoors, carefully check under any objects that might conceal snakes. Parents should teach their children about the potential dangers posed by snakes.
Any snake found in the wild should be left alone. If one is presenting a danger to itself or to others, call 911 and report it.
If a snake bites you, get medical treatment as soon as possible. Try to immobilize the body part that’s been bitten and keep it lower than your heart, officials say.
Take a cellphone picture of the snake or try to remember its appearance so medical professionals can identify the species and administer the right anti-venom.
Florida is home to 50 kinds of snakes but most are not venomous. Those that are venomous include the diamondback rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, the copperhead, and cottonmouth or water moccasin.
“Just take precautions,” Miller said. “If you see a snake, stay away.”