Teen Rescued After Rattlesnake Bite in North Carolina

Last week, authorities performed a dramatic rescue when a teenager was bitten by a rattlesnake during a fishing trip in the mountainous region of western North Carolina.

The North Carolina Emergency Business Center responded by sending a Black Hawk helicopter from the State Guard to the scene in Avery County, accompanied by rescues specialists from the Charlotte Fire Department.

According to a Facebook post from North Carolina’s Emergency Management, “The hikers were successfully rescued and were being treated in the hospital.”

The victim, Zain Shah, expressed his gratitude to the first responders in the comments section, saying he felt thankful for their help.

Shah shared, “Thank you for saving me! I recognized the yellow man on the right, who took me to the cable on the helicopter. I can’t express enough gratitude!”

Zain’s father, Inman Shah, recounted in the comments how what started as a fun fishing trip turned dangerous when Zain was bitten by a timber rattlesnake deep in the woods.

Inman further mentioned, “I’m incredibly grateful to the NCHART and Linville-Central Rescue team. Zain was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee, where he is now recovering at home.”

Interestingly, the wood rattlesnake, known for its distinctive colors and patterns, has a pinkish hue with gray and diamond-shaped markings on its back.

The rattlesnake typically measures between 2.5 to 5 feet and is recognized for its alertness—rattling its tail when it feels threatened. They are part of the pit viper family and can be spotted throughout the eastern United States.