NEW TAMPA, FL-- A 16-year-old boy is undergoing treatment at University Community Hospital after he was bitten by a venomous snake, believed to be a pygmy rattler.
Jonathan Yokel was playing basketball with his brother and friends, and was bitten by the snake when he reached into the bushes to grab the ball.
The snake bit Yokel on the right hand and fingers. He was taken to University Community Hospital in North Tampa.
Hospital spokesperson Will Darnell says the teen's arm is swollen up to his elbow.
Doctors have already treated him with 14 vials of antivenin, and anticipate they'll need to treat him with at least four more vials.
"I'm just glad it was me and not any of the younger kids out playing," said Yokel who's 6-feet-4. "I'm a big guy, but I don't even want to think what the snake could've done to someone smaller and younger than me."
Yokel is in fair condition and could be released from the hospital this weekend.
Officials say recent rains have snakes on the move and people should be careful and aware of their surroundings.
In an unrelated incident, a Winterhaven girl is recovering after she was bitten by a water moccasin snake at her school Thursday.
According to school district officials 9-year-old Toni Warren was coming out of a portable classroom at Wahneta Elementary School when the snake bit her.
She was first taken to Winter Haven Hospital and was later transferred to Tampa General Hospital, where she is currently recovering the ICU. She is listed in serious condition.
