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These pictures were sent to me by a co-worker whose son was bitten by a rattlesnake! He's eight.

The poor little guy was visiting Gramma in Kansas while his mom was holding down the fort here in Texas.

It seems he was walking around her rock garden barefooted, when WHAMMO his big toe got tagged by a wiley reptile. Just so everyone feels better, let it be known that the snake was indeed captured and punished for his dastardly deed.

The photos were taken by his Dr. and show the begining of the swelling and blistering while the last ones show the deflated skin pillow and all the overall crustyness. I know you like to see AFTER photos, but what can I say? I have none. Mom says everything is back to normal.

He's a tough kid.

If you have any questions to ask Mom regarding any more medical details, please feel free as she has given permission to post the photos.

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ED: I read that 8,000 people per year get bitten by rattlesnakes every year in the U.S. That's 21 a day. 21! Fortunately, only about 10 per year die (.027 per day). I'd say that's pretty amazing if'n you was to ask me.

But don't worry, just cause she said 'crustyness', doesn't mean I feel obligated to work Krusty into the narrative here. I don't want you thinking I'm a one trick pony.

And if'n you was to ask me how a youth could avoid rattlesnake bites I'd suggest by learnin' some good old timey music on the mandolin, indoors. Well y'all was gonna find out I was a redneck eventually. Why drag it out.

Photos:
Puffy- Like Jiffy Pop
Inflated- sandals on the way home i guess
Blowout- popped it
Peel it- you know you want to