Colorado — A family outing in Colorado quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency after a man was bitten three times by a rattlesnake, sending him into anaphylactic shock and requiring extensive treatment with antivenom.
Michael Padilla is now recovering at home after surviving the frightening encounter, which happened while he and his family were visiting one of their favorite spots along a river. What started as a relaxing day outdoors quickly became a race against time as his condition worsened within minutes of the bite.
Ordinary Family Trip Took a Dangerous Turn
Padilla said he was walking across rocky terrain when the unexpected encounter occurred. He recalled stepping onto a rock while focusing on where to place his next foot before suddenly feeling a sharp strike from behind.
“I stepped on a rock. I was looking at my next step,” Padilla said. “Next thing I know I got hit from the back, like somebody punched me with a thorn.”
At first, he wasn’t sure what had happened. However, it didn’t take long before alarming symptoms began to appear.
Within minutes, he noticed swelling, increasing pain, and changes throughout his body that signaled something was seriously wrong.
“The next thing I know I’m starting to feel really weird,” he said. “I’m getting fuzzy and I’m swelling up. I could feel my tongue swelling up, my leg starting to hurt.”
Symptoms Quickly Became Life-Threatening
As Padilla’s condition deteriorated, his wife, Amy, realized the situation was becoming critical.
She noticed visible changes in his appearance, including redness around his eyes, while the family immediately called 911 for emergency assistance.
“I could see his eyes were starting to turn red,” she said.
After paramedics arrived, Padilla’s medical emergency continued to escalate during the ambulance ride.
He said he went into anaphylactic shock, with severe swelling affecting his face and tongue before intense stomach pain and repeated vomiting followed.
“My face and tongue started swelling up,” Padilla said. “Next thing I know my stomach starts hurting really bad. I just start puking my guts out in the ambulance.”
Doctors Treated Him With 18 Vials of Antivenom
At the hospital, doctors determined the rattlesnake had bitten Padilla three separate times, leaving six puncture wounds around his calf.
Medical teams treated him with 18 vials of antivenom as they worked to stabilize his condition. Looking back on the frightening experience, Padilla said he realizes just how close he came to losing his life.
“I literally almost lost my life. Thank God I didn’t,” Padilla said. “I’m just so freaking thankful that I came out as well as I did, even though it was as bad as it was.”
Wildlife officials explained that rattlesnakes sometimes deliver what is known as a “dry bite,” meaning little or no venom is injected. While relatively uncommon, experts believe at least one of Padilla’s bites may have been a defensive strike of that type.
Family Urges Others Not to Delay Medical Treatment
Now back home recovering, the Padilla family hopes their experience serves as an important reminder for others spending time outdoors.
Amy Padilla stressed that anyone bitten by a venomous snake should call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room immediately, even if symptoms seem manageable at first.
“Get to the emergency room or call 911 right away,” Amy Padilla said. “Because if we hadn’t done that, this would have been an entirely different story.”
Wildlife officials also encourage hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts to stay alert around rocky areas, especially during the warmer months when rattlesnakes are most active. Watching where you step and giving snakes plenty of space can help reduce the risk of dangerous encounters.
What do you think about this incredible survival story? Have you ever had a close encounter with wildlife while hiking or exploring outdoors? Share your experience and join the conversation in the comments below.
