Wildlife Influencer Laughs Off Deadly Rattlesnake Bite: “I’m Not Mad at the Snake”
David Humplett, a 25-year-old wildlife influencer, turned a life-threatening encounter with Florida’s deadliest snake, the diamondback rattlesnake, into a moment of viral content. Bitten while exploring a forest with friends, Humplett chose humor over panic, documenting the ordeal as it unfolded.
“Welp, I am cooked,” he said in his now-viral video, maintaining a lighthearted tone despite the severity of the bite. Shockingly, he complimented the snake, calling it a “cool snake” and referring to it as a “big diamondback.” Staying true to his influencer spirit, he even prioritized capturing photos of the reptile, joking, “Let’s get the pictures of it first. I mean, we’re already screwed anyways.”
A Close Call
Humplett’s condition quickly worsened, requiring an airlift to UF Health Shands hospital, where he was administered 88 antivenom injections. Hours later, visibly weakened, he updated his followers from his hospital bed. “As I got back in the car, I started going into anaphylactic shock. I thought my shin was going to explode,” he revealed. “I’m scared I’m gonna die but hopefully not.”
A Snake Advocate
Even after the harrowing experience, Humplett remained an advocate for the snake’s natural behavior. “The snake was just doing what it does. It perceived me as a threat and was trying to protect itself. I’m not mad at the snake, and I don’t want anyone else to be mad at it either,” he said, emphasizing the importance of respecting wildlife.
Viral Resilience
Humplett’s calm demeanor, humor, and positive attitude have resonated with his audience, further cementing his status as a wildlife influencer. The incident serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder of the unpredictable beauty of nature.