Park and recreation officials say there are probably poisonous snakes, namely copperheads, in the area and possibly in the park, but the park is a place for both people and animals.
CHARLOTTE -- A 16-month-old was bit by a snake Monday afternoon in Freedom Park.
The child’s mother realized what happened and rushed the toddler -- and the snake -- to the hospital. Officials determined the snake, believed to be a ball python, was not poisonous and the child is expected to be OK.
Park and recreation officials say there are probably poisonous snakes, namely copperheads, in the area and possibly in the park, but the park is a place for both people and animals.
"We don't want human and wildlife interactions that have negative consequences,” said Michael Kirschman, of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. “We don't want people to get bit or stung. That rarely happens. We want to give them opportunities to enjoy their wildlife."
It is believed the snake was a pet that someone released into the wild.