A teen learned the hard way not to come into contact with a poisonous snake, doctors in Florida said.
The Hillsborough County man is recovering after being bitten in the face by the water moccasin.
18-year-old Austin Hatfield captured the 4-foot long snake while swimming last week. Friends of Hatfield said that the teen was trying to kiss the snake when it struck, biting his lips.
Hatfield was taken to a hospital in critical condition, but is expected to recover. Cottonmouth snakes, sometimes called water moccasins, are extremely dangerous.
Hatfield did not have a permit to keep the snake. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the incident, and the teen could face charges.
