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American tourist rushed to hospital after snake bite in French mountain rescue
The hiker was found unconscious before being airlifted for emergency treatment
A 37-year-old American hiker was airlifted to hospital after suffering a severe reaction to a suspected snake bite while trekking in the French Alps, authorities and local reports confirmed.
The incident occurred in the hills above Veurey-Voroize, near the Vercors massif in eastern France, where the man was hiking with two other Americans when he was bitten by a red-and-black snake, according to local media.
Shortly after the bite, the hiker’s condition rapidly deteriorated and he lost consciousness.
Emergency services were alerted by his companions, prompting a high-altitude rescue operation.
A mountain rescue unit from the Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité (CRS), alongside a doctor from France’s emergency medical service SAMU, was dispatched to the scene via helicopter.
Rescuers found the man unconscious but still breathing and administered emergency treatment before airlifting him to Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, where he was admitted to the trauma unit.
Experts believe the bite may have come from an asp viper, one of several venomous snakes found in the Alps region, though the exact species has not been confirmed.
Local park ranger Jean Andrieux said the asp viper is relatively common in the area but added that serious reactions are rare.
He explained that many bites are “dry bites,” where venom is not injected, as the snake is often acting defensively rather than aggressively.
He also emphasized that snakes do not actively attack humans, warning hikers that most bites occur when a snake is accidentally stepped on or disturbed.
Authorities have not released further details on the hiker’s condition, but he remains under medical care in the trauma unit as doctors monitor his recovery.
