Man, 41, hospitalized with rattlesnake bite after he tried to get closer for a picture, family says
BY Herschel Smith
1 week, 2 days ago
“He was trying to get a better angle, better focus,” said Richard Curylo, who is engaged to the injured man’s sister.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 21, near a boat launch at Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township, according to a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in a statement to PEOPLE.
The incident involved a 41-year-old man and was handled by local 911, per the spokesperson.
While speaking to local outlet WXYZ, Richard Curylo, who is engaged to the injured man’s sister, said he and his group had been swimming when they noticed movement in some nearby grass.
“We saw and heard the rattle and it was his first time seeing one, so he wanted to get a really good picture,” Curylo said while speaking to the outlet.
Curylo said he recorded video of the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake before his fiancée’s brother then moved in even closer to capture a photo.
The Eastern Massasauga is the only venomous snake native to Michigan, and only one of two rattlesnake species native to the Great Lakes region, according to Michigan State University.
The family called 911, and the man was transported by ambulance to the University of Michigan, which was the nearest hospital equipped with antivenom, per WXYZ.
Don’t be stupid. A cat has quicker reflexes than a snake and will rarely lose to a snake. You aren’t a cat.
On August 3, 2026 at 8:34 pm, Paul B said:
Some people should not be let out without a minder.
On August 3, 2026 at 11:25 pm, Dan said:
Once again….modern medicine thwarting Darwinian selection…
On August 4, 2026 at 1:07 am, scott s. said:
I don’t really think of Michigan as rattler territory, but I hope the photos worked out. Gives you something to tell the grandkids “don’t be an idiot like grandpa”.
On August 4, 2026 at 1:46 am, Stefan v. said:
“Don’t be stupid. A cat has quicker reflexes than a snake and will rarely lose to a snake. You aren’t a cat.”
As an Australian, I heartliy endorse this message. Mr No-Shoulders is not your friend.
On August 4, 2026 at 4:31 pm, Fred said:
Cats are one of God’s most incredible predators. Everything about them is designed to sense and kill. Their kill ratio is low, but sometimes they kill and don’t eat it, and others, they toy with prey, get bored and walk away. It’s hard to get handle on any true measure of efficiency. Not sure if snakebites are more common this year or if I’ve just seen a lot of stories about them? Hmm? CDC might track it?
On August 5, 2026 at 11:42 am, xtphreak said:
I handle Mr. No Legs with a healthy dose of #4 shot from a CCI “Big 4″ out of a .44 Special original Bulldog.
Light and convenient with its 3” barrel and alloy frame riding in a Bianchi holster high on my hip at 4:00, it’s out of the way and barely noticable as I perform outside chores.
As an alternative, an ax, shovel or machete are easier on the neighboring vacation renter’s ears.
Not as satisfying though.
The following 3 chambers loaded with 210 gr SWCs provide a sense of comfort
For possible encounters with Mr. Four Legs and Mr. Two Legs.
DISTANCE IS YOUR GREATEST DEFENSE.
After all, a stick extends the length of your arm.
A thrown rock extends the area in which you can strike.
An arrow extends that further.
A pistol extends that and a rifle gives the most stand off distance of all common weapons.
Distance gives you more chances to react to a threat before it is upon you.
I watch in amazement (and disgust) the “tour-ons” (tourist morons) in all
these videos, petting bison, approaching grizzlies, feeding black bear cubs.
Too much self advertisement from selfies, too much Disney anthropomorphizing wild animals into sentient beings with human feelings, instead of wild animals with protective instincts.
Ok.
Rant over
Y’all Have a Good Day
On August 5, 2026 at 10:19 pm, beastmaster said:
The video of tourists getting out of car while in African safari park is a fave.
The cats circle around and thankfully no one is hurt.
A bud had an albino cobra before Red State cracked down.
With red eyes it feasted on baby mice.
The scorpions killed each other fighting.