MALIBU–On Monday, April 25, “Princess Bride” star, Cary Elwes, was bitten by a rattlesnake. Elwes took to Twitter to thank Los Angeles County first responders for coming to his aid.
Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatched a fireman to Elwes’ home on Topanga State Beach at approximately 2:53 p.m. Reports indicate that EMS first responders airlifted an unnamed patient who had been bitten on the finger by a rattlesnake to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
https://twitter.com/Cary_Elwes/status/1518646210042613760
Elwes took to social media referencing his 2017 film, “Rodents of Unusual Size,” which is about swamp rats [Nutria] invading southern Louisiana. Elwes was doing yard work when he was bitten by the snake.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, out of the 40 snakes that slither around California, rattlesnakes are the state’s only venomous snakes.
“Taxonomy fluctuates, but we have approximately 40 native snake species, of which 7 are rattlesnakes: western diamondback, sidewinder, speckled, western, red diamond, Mohave, and Panamint,” the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stated on their website.
They recommend people wear boots, long pants and gloves when working outdoors, doing outside yard work, hiking, stay out of tall grass, rocks, and wood piles…where snakes are prevalent.
According to bestcamping.com, the venom or hemotoxins from a rattlesnake bite can cause excruciating pain, a breakdown of tissue, and can cause internal bleeding.
If bitten by a rattlesnake individuals are advised to:
• Call an ambulance
• Remain Calm-Do Not panic
• Apply pressure/bandage
• Do Not apply ice or soak the bite in water
• Leave the wound treatment to professionals
