Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 9, 2024 11:47 pm GMT
Florence Man in Serious Condition After Being Bitten by the World’s Most Venomous Snake
Florence, S.C. – A man remains in serious condition after suffering a horrifying bite from an inland taipan, regarded as the most venomous snake in the world. The incident occurred early Friday morning at Jeffrey Leibowitz’s Marion Street residence, where authorities later discovered a total of 14 venomous snakes, leading to serious public safety concerns.
Emergency Response to a Snake Bite
At approximately 2 a.m. on Friday, Leibowitz called 911 in distress after being bitten by one of his pet snakes. First responders arrived on the scene and provided immediate medical attention before transporting him to a nearby hospital. Due to the severity of his injury, antivenom was flown in from Florida to aid his treatment.
According to police reports, officials were informed around 9 a.m. that the snake responsible for the bite was venomous. This information prompted law enforcement to review social media posts where Leibowitz was seen handling snakes, ultimately leading them to secure a search warrant for his home.
Discovery of Multiple Venomous Snakes
Upon executing the search warrant, authorities found 14 different venomous snakes, which included species such as a green mamba, two gaboon vipers, a fer-de-lance, and notably, the inland taipan. Jeffrey Leibowitz remains hospitalized and may face a lengthy recovery due to the health complications resulting from the bite.
Jeff Camper, a biologist and snake specialist at Francis Marion University, explained that the inland taipan’s venom is extraordinarily potent and can have severe effects on the human body, including neurotoxic and cardiotoxic components. “One bite could potentially kill up to 100 people,” Camper warned, emphasizing the danger that such a snake poses not only to its owner but also to the surrounding community.
Health Risks and Long-term Recovery
While Leibowitz is currently on a respirator and facing paralysis of his diaphragm, medical professionals continue to work on stabilizing his condition. Camper expressed concerns that Leibowitz might experience permanent damage to various organs, marking the incident as potentially life-altering.
“His body’s probably going to want to shut down relatively soon,” Camper stated. “It is crucial for him to receive comprehensive medical care during this critical period.”
Handling of the Remaining Snakes
Following the incident, local authorities contacted various facilities, including Riverbanks Zoo and Edisto Island Serpentarium, to determine if they could temporarily house the snakes. However, all facilities declined due to concerns about the snakes’ health and the conditions in which they were kept. The decision was made to humanely euthanize the snakes due to their potential danger and the unsuitable conditions of their habitat.
While there are currently no laws against owning such dangerous snakes in South Carolina, the sale and transport of these animals may violate state regulations. Florence Police Captain Stephen Starling noted that non-native species like those found in Leibowitz’s home pose significant risks for private ownership.
Family Tragedy and Next Steps
After assessing the dire situation and Leibowitz’s ongoing health struggles, police reached out to a family member regarding the custody of the remaining snakes. That family member voluntarily surrendered the snakes to authorities, acknowledging the necessity of their euthanization to ensure public safety.
As of late Monday night, Leibowitz remains in serious condition and the community is left grappling with the implications of keeping such dangerous pets in residential areas. It’s a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with exotic pet ownership, particularly when dealing with venomous or non-native species.
The Florence Police Department is keeping a close eye on the situation to make sure everyone stays safe during this sad time.
