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Child Bitten By Venomous Snake At U-M's Botanical Garden

ANN ARBOR (WWJ) - A frightening scene for a family visiting the botanical garden in Ann Arbor.

Police on the campus of University of Michigan tell WWJ that a young child was bitten by a Massasauga Rattlesnake, which is venomous.

Police said there are warning signs at U-M's Matthaei Botanical Gardens, indicating there are venomous snakes in the center.

The Michigan DNR says the Massasauga is the smallest rattlesnake and has the least toxic venom.

No word yet on the condition of the child.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that all snakes will bite when threatened or surprised, but most will usually avoid people if possible and only bite as a last resort.

Poisonous snake bites include bites by any of the following:

Cobra
Copperhead
Coral snake
Cottonmouth (water moccasin)
Rattlesnake
Various snakes found at zoos

All snakes will bite when threatened or surprised, but most will usually avoid people if possible and only bite as a last resort.

Snakes found in and near water are often mistaken as being venomous. Most species of snake are harmless and many bites are not life-threatening, but unless you are absolutely sure that you know the species, treat it seriously.

 

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