WINTER PARK, Fla. – Florida Fish and Wildlife investigators say a 73-year-old man who was bitten by a venomous Gaboon viper Thursday is doing well as he recovers in a local hospital.
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Spokesman Greg Workman told News 6 that Robert W. Smith was bitten by the viper he's licensed to have at his home on Temple Drive in Winter Park.
Smith's friend, Walter Hurst, said he was the first one Smith called after it happened.
"I was in my chair last night, getting ready to watch TV, and the phone rings," Hurst said. "Bob said, 'I've been bitten by a Gaboon Viper.' I'm on my way, Bob."
Smith was taken to Florida Hospital South, where Workman and Hurst said he's recovering after being treated with anti-venin and is expected to survive.
Finding the anti-venin was not easy, according to Jack Facente, director of AgriToxins Lab in St. Cloud.
"I heard from FWC and the Poison Control Center in Tampa," he told News 6. "They were looking for anti-venin for the bite."
Facente said it was after hours and that made it difficult to find the medication.
Central Florida Zoo in Sanford was the first organization that could be contacted, he said.
Hurst said Smith was nicked on his left hand and didn't get a full bite from the snake, which is fortunate.
?Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the snake carries enough venom to kill two people.
The Gaboon viper is typically found in the tropical forests of central and west Africa. They grow to about 6 feet long.
Hurst said Smith is expected to be at Florida Hospital for about seven days.
Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates on this developing story.