The patho-physiology of rattlesnake envenomation is learned the hard way by stupid and/or drunk people.

Doctors said one man was bitten on the hand after trying to pet a snake. They said the man had been drinking prior to the incident.

“We’ve seen several people who’ve tried petting the snakes, and even on occasion people trying to kiss the snake. Any of those things usually result in the patient getting bitten,” said Dr. Michael Levine, a toxicologist at Banner Poison Control Center.

Doctors said it’s important to call for help or get to a hospital after a rattlesnake bite.