FL Amazon Driver Bitten By Venomous Diamondback Rattlesnake: Police

PALM CITY, FL — An Amazon delivery driver was in serious condition Tuesday after she was bitten by a venomous eastern diamondback rattlesnake while delivering a package in Martin County, according to authorities.

In a release posted on social media, the Martin County Sheriff's Office said the driver was delivering a package in Palm City's Highland Reserve neighborhood when the bite happened. As she walked to the home's front door and put the package down, authorities said the driver was struck in the back of the leg.

Police said the snake was coiled near the home's front door when it bit the driver.

Authorities said the woman immediately felt ill and called 911. Dispatchers were able to locate her using her cell phone's GPS coordinates. First responders took the driver to the hospital, where authorities said she was in serious condition.

Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are found throughout the state, according to the Florida Museum at the University of Florida. Typically, they are not aggressive and avoid direct contact with people and pets; however, most bites occur when the snakes are intentionally bothered or accidentally stepped on, according to the museum.

An eastern diamondback rattlesnake bite can be dangerous to people and pets, the museum said. Victims should seek immediate medical care if bitten.