Brevard County wildlife trapper James Dean has been in this line of work for nearly twenty years. He knows the risk, especially dealing with snakes.
But one night, he had a close encounter that landed him in the hospital.
"There was a coral snake at the residence, and I got it out. Bagged it and moved it to the nearest wooded area," Dean said.
Tuesday night while on a call to roundup a coral snake in a residential pool, the snake fought back.
"In about 10 minutes, my hand started swelling up and I was getting ready to go back to my house to just lay down," Dean said.
But a concerned friend heard about what happened and met Dean at a nearby gas station off Eau Gallie Boulevard in Melbourne.
That's where that friend called 911, and within minutes an ambulance and police showed up. Dean was taken to the hospital.
Dean checked out before receiving any antivenom, which he admits was probably not a good idea. He says the snake's fangs were only in his hand for a few seconds.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, a coral snake's venom is North America's most potent snake venom. They have short fangs and a small mouth, and typically don't bother people unless provoked.
It's also rare to be bit by a coral snake. According to a 2002 FDA report, there are only about 25 coral snakebites a year, by some estimates.
James Dean, the trapper, is feeling fine now. He knows this can come with the territory, but he's glad he had help after he was bit.
"They were concerned for my well being, and I love them for it," Dean said.