August 4, 2026
The Rattlesnake Story (short and long version)
In the thick of it!
SHORT VERSION: On Friday, 7/31/2026, I was bitten on the hand by a baby rattlesnake. Within two minutes, I was down. Life Flight came immediately and administered CroFab anti-venom, which caused me to go into anaphylactic shock.
My tongue and uvula swelled up, obstructing my airway. I received 32 doses of this anti-venom before they switched to the less-used Anavip anti-venom made from horses. This seemed to work, and on Monday, 8/3/2026, I was released from the ICU into the Critical Care Unit. I have made rapid progress and should be released tomorrow, Wednesday, 8/5/2026.
LONG VERSION I set three mouse traps in my barn so the mice don’t take over. Sometimes a trap will be missing, and they just get a leg caught and run off to hide in a corner. I take pity on those guys and set them loose out in the field, as I figure they’ve already suffered enough. Well, on Friday, two of the three traps were missing, and I went to look for them. I see the two traps back in a bunch of junk, both moving, and I suspected that they probably had a leg caught. I was going to give them a “get out of jail free” card and release them.
As I went to grab the first one, bam! A lightning strike to the finger and that sound you don’t want to hear, a rattle! But I wasn’t certain, so I went into the house to get Dyan to look, because I was already feeling bad and had fallen on the kitchen floor. While she went out to the barn to look, I could tell I was fading fast and tried to dial 9-1-1, but only got to 9-1, and then everything went blurry. Dyan came back into the house and dialed 9-1-1, and they sent out the Life Flight.
On the helicopter ride to a trauma center (my first ever), they administered the CroFab anti-venom, which is a standard anti-venom, but for some reason, I reacted negatively and went into anaphylactic shock, with my uvula and tongue swelling up, threatening my airway. Not improving, they found some of the less-common Anavip anti-venom which is made from horses. Fortunately, this worked, and my healing has progressed rapidly.
On the mend!
Even though I should be released tomorrow morning (Wednesday, 8/5/2026), my hand is still not out of danger, and it can take up to two weeks for the wound to “present itself” and either heal on its own or have the dead tissue removed and a skin graft applied.
The hand that got bit
Now the scary stuff: on the helo ride over felt I was going to die. I was walking down this white tunnel, but it was okay, I was not afraid. Everything was peaceful and either way it was going to be okay. I do remember that I had stopped breathing and I told l myself to breath.
Now that it’s all over and I recount the story, I become very emotional, and I’m not an emotional person.
I think about how lucky I am to be alive. If Dyan had not been home that day, I would not have survived. If the helicopter had not been so quick, I would not have survived. If they had not quickly found the alternate anti-venom, I would not have survived.
Life is so very fragile and minutes matter. I am so thankful that Dyan was there, that the helo guys responded so quickly, and that the health care people knew what to do. I am just so grateful.
Today I got a shower, to eat some food, and drink a Coke. You cannot imagine how good some simple things taste now that I’ve been given a second chance. I have been surrounded by my wife, my children, caring friends, and I am really just grateful for everything.
Two of my friends have wondered how this might affect my life and my photography. An interesting question!
Cole
P.S. I was on a LOT of medications and one of them (they think maybe the steroids) was causing hallucinations, lots of them. I’d see spiders and ants crawling around, I’d see writing on the walls and on the blank TV screen! I knew they were hallucinations, and so I knew that I wasn’t going crazy, but they were very entertaining to watch!
P.P.S. Dyan went home yesterday and was going to find the snake. But then we thought: we don’t want her to get bit and both of us in the ICU and so we decided to call the county to take care of the little “bastard” They said “sure, we’ll take care of him!” When she got home, the county guy was there and Dyan asked if he had taken care of him, and he replied that he had let him go, on our property!!!
The “little bastard!”
I have a shotgun shell with his name on it.
P.P.P.S. I will be pretty tired over the next few days and I’d really love to hear from you, but please understand that I will not be be able to respond. Thanks for your understanding.
Wow! That’s so scary. Glad to hear that you’re on the mend.
Oh Cole! Crazy bad, crazy luck – so grateful that you are still here!
Wishing you a complete recovery Cole. What a frightening experience. You need your hands… both of them! And the world needs you.
Cole, you are lucky to be alive. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery.
Cole, I am shocked and very emotional hearing what happened with you and the rattlesnake. And so very happy that you are alive! Thank you for sharing your experiences, including walking down the white tunnel; that was indeed a near-death experience. My love goes out to you and Dyan as you continue to heal. You need that hand for photography!! But, whatever happens with the hand, we need YOU! Love, Janet
Be well fast… I’m wishing you back on the shutter button as soon as possible!
OMG! I’m so sorry to hear about your snake encounter, but glad to hear that you are on the mend. I hope you have a full recovery and are back out photographing with a full working hand in the not too distant future.
I’m so sorry that you were bitten by a rattlesnake and had such bad reactions. But I’m glad you are on the mend. I wish you a full and speedy recovery.
Close call… that hand looks like hell.
I heard that fried rattlesnake tastes like chicken! Of course my uncle told me that, so, I’m skeptical.
Get well soon Cole.
Tom- Grass Valley
So glad you are on the mend. That you live in an area that deals with rattlesnakes bits. You may have a long road to recovery a head if you bit sounds like with family and friends close by you will make it though this. I will put you on my prayer list.
Cole, oh Cole. That is so shocking and terrifying. I am so very sorry you have had this horrible experience. Please get well soon.
Wes
Hi Cole,
So glad to hear that you’re getting better now. Man oh man, what a terrible thing to happen. Very scary, and the complications with the anti-venom…frightening!
Prayers for a rapid and full recovery ‘in the works’!
John
P..S. Hi, Dyan! What an experience for you, too, and just as scary. It’s a blessing that it happened when you were home.
I’m really pleased you are ok and on the mend, thank god your wife was there. If you’re not able to use your camera gear send them to me. I will use them while you are unable, you don’t want them rusting up,I will send everything back to you when you are ready. I hope you make a full recovery and I look forward to seeing more of of your great photos
Hahaha!
Cole!!!! So glad you are healing. What a scary few days for everyone!!! This has certainly made me a lot more cautious when I’m digging in the garage or outside doing anything!!! So grateful for Dyan and all of the quick actions of people to get you where you are!! Sending positive vibes your way for a complete recovery!!!❤️🩹
Omg Cole. I’m so sorry you had to go through this and so thankful you are going to recover. Liz and I are sending all of our best wishes and positive thoughts to you and Dyan. I hope the next few weeks will continue to see you make progress every day.
Take care
Ryan
Hi Cole
Hope you are felling better. Thank you for sharing your story .Take care
Dave
Cole, so very sorry to hear your news! And I’m so happy and relieved you made it through this! Isn’t it interesting how everything aligned for you to have this experience and yet all the circumstances were in place to live through it? And I say this because I know that you really ponder such things and will one day understand why and it will affect how you live the rest of your Life in so many ways. With that said, I know that one of the many reasons you are still on this earth is to capture and share its beauty with others. With that said, I am sending healing vibes your way so that you — and especially your hand — make a full recovery. Please keep us informed of your recovery!
Sending light. (I’m a photographer; we control the light, right??!) Scary stuff, the whole experience, for both of you. Wishing you both an easy reintegration to reality a little less biting. Let’s see what this 2nd chance brings.
Scary story! Sending you good thoughts that you (and your hand) recover quickly. Will add that in this instance I do think the color photos of you and the snake, do help explain the situation better than black and white would.
Get better soon!
Good point!
Cole,
I’m thankful you are going to be alright and your wife was there to help. I hope you heal quickly and never encounter another rattler again! Rest and keep contemplating your “second” life and what you want to do with such a gift.
Cole, I clearly remember our correspondance upon my joining your email blog. I also recall your presentation to the Salt Spring Island Photography Club. You continue to be an inspiration. May your health return completely. You are a special person.
Curt
Thank God we don’t have snakes in New Zealand. Really hope your hand comes right and you are back shooting as soon as possible
So sorry Cole. Life is so very fragile., we need to cherish every day. Always hug the ones you love and care about. Glad you’ll be ok. Wishing you a speedy recovery and all my very best Cole.
So happy you are on the path of recovery from a near death experience!
Cole,
Our prayers are with you for a full recovery. I look forward to your newsletters every month. You, and your photography, are an inspiration to many of us.
Thanks for sharing your story with us. Best wishes to you and your wife, Dyan. God bless you both.
Aloha Cole
Some things sure have a way of reminding us how fragile life is – I had the anaphylactic thingy 40 years ago. That feeling of impending doom – wow!
So glad to know you’re on the road to recovery. Can tell by the amazing honesty of your post.
All the Best,
Frank
Pole sana! Please do keep us posted on your recovery, we’re rooting for it to be quick.
Tamara
Dear Cole, what a horrifying but wonderful- wonderful in the telling and sovery fortunate in the outcome!
I can’t help but think that that could have been me, but with a worse outcome. I was hiking in the Yosemite wilderness with friends years ago. We had been pushing through an undeveloped trail and found a spot with some large rocks set in the undergrowth. My friend said to me quietly “Get up very slowly – there is a rattlesnake sitting next to you..” There was a tiny snake, about 14” long, draped less than a foot from my hip.
If he had bitten me as you were bitten, I would’ve had no chance. This was before cellphones and at least an hour’s walk to our car. And the closest medical help would probably have been from YOSAR, Yosemite Search and Rescue. As we were pushing through deep undergrowth beneath dense forest canopy it probably would have been very difficult, if not impossible, for a helicopter rescue.
I have since then learned that the baby snakes tend to release every ounce of their venom in their strikes – unlike the adults, which are more judicious in metering out their venom.
All this goes to say that your tale has made me feel very glad to be alive today – and to feel very glad that YOU are alive today!
So sorry you had such a terrible experience Cole, but relieved to hear you are on the mend. Praying for you to recover quickly and regain full use of your hand. Very thankful Dyan was home!! Thank you for sharing your story!
Cole:
Wishing you a quick recovery. Knowing how remote your ranch is, I’m glad that everything worked out to get you the care you needed. Although the snake was just trying to assist you with some rodent control, keep that shotgun handy. P.S. – I enjoyed seeing your “Where Lava Meets the Sea” project in the recent LensWork Bonus Editions.
Best wishes for your complete recovery, Cole. How quickly our lives can change! Your experience sounds like the most frightening thing, but I am glad the rescuers were all operating at full speed that day. Get better and get back to shooting (photographs and snakes!)
Cole my friend,
Seeing that 1st photo of you I thought God please don’t take him. He is the most caring good man I’ve known. As I read on relief set in and we can still carry on with our human side of life. In that brief moment of seeing you on life support it brought tears and remembrance of personal tragedies and stories we’ve shared. I still have that lump in my throat with tears in my eyes. You and family are in my prayers especially for your full recovery. I’m counting on your strong will so we can continue sharing a yarn or two. God’s speed my friend.
Hi Cole,
Glad to hear you didn’t walk through the tunnel! A Coke can really feel special after such an event! This is the first time I’ve heard and saw pictures of someone I know was bitten by a rattlesnake! Scary indeed! I am sure you will be back to photography, and it will be interesting to see the effect this near-death experience will have on your vision! Sending you a hug, Ilona
I wish you a speedy recovery Cole! That was a close one!
Get well soon. So glad you made it though this awful ordeal.
WE 05 AUG 2026
Cole. I could never have imagined such drama from the first Cole Thompson newsletter I’ve received.
What an experience to have stumbled into. I’m pleased and grateful that it has gone as well as it has, and that your wife was close at hand to assist.
Equally grateful that the life-flight guys and their access to the alternative anti-venom were all available as well. Had any part of this chain been missing, it would’ve been an entirely different story.
As for the part where you became aware that you were “walking down this white tunnel, but it was okay, I was not afraid. Everything was peaceful and either way it was going to be okay. I do remember that I had stopped breathing and I told l myself to breathe” … that’s the part that may be the unexpected gift of the day.
“either way it was going to be okay” … Good for you Cole, & good for all of us, your followers as well.
We are all appreciative of your expected full recovery, and your return to the field, tightly gripping your camera in your completely healed hand.
Amen Brother.
Jay Sigal
Hey Cole,
So glad you’re on your way to recovery. It was a stroke of luck that you were at home and able to get the help you needed so quickly. Wishing you the best.
I know you always try to get photos that are unique to your own personal vision, but all things considered I would much rather view your Lava Meets the Sea series than seeing pictures of you in such dire straits. Heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery, Cole. Don’t rush it. Give yourself time to heal.
Cole,
Incredibly, so many things were in the exact place needed to insure you survived this. I had my own run in with a 6 ft rattlesnake here in Texas in my yard. Fortunately, I was able to kill it with a shovel…with a very long handle. Have a great photo I’ll share will you in an email. From that experience I’ve learned never reach into dark places and always wear knee high boots with kevlar covers. Quick recovery my friend.
I’m so sorry to hear about your unfortunate encounter with the snake! Is the snake okay?… lol. But seriously, my thoughts are with you and I hope you fully recover and are able to get back out there and do some more of your wonderful and inspirational photography.
I want to wish you a speedy recovery. Please return to your vision soon..old fool Larry.
Cole, so glad that you are on the mend. What a scare! Hope the rest of your recovery goes without any set backs.
Wow! What an incredible story. I am very happy for you and Dyan that you are doing better. I wish you a speedy and full recovery!
Wow, thanks for sharing. So very happy that you are okay now.
What a scary story. I’m so glad you’re going to be OK. Looking forward to seeing more of your wonderful photos soon.
Hi! I hope you are feeling better soon and that your hand recovers too. It’s funny how much one appreciates the “little” things after recovering from such a near-death experience.
As a side note, I’ve really enjoyed your newsletters. What a neat side benefit of purchasing one of your photographs. I’m a photographer myself though I haven’t been doing much lately. I’m being patient with myself and telling myself I can pick it up again with the spirit moves me.
Wow, That scary, rest and get well, the photographic world needs you!
Best wishes
When I saw your photos and read it was a snake bit my first thought was you probably process of making another great photograph and it was worth a snake bit to get it. But then after reading the full story, that you were just going after a mouse, I thought, well that’s a bummer!
Take care dude,
So, that’s no small message, Cole. Terrible, that such a small animal can injure you like that. (Fortunately we don’t have rattlesnakes here.) You did have an angel on the shoulder and an angel next to you (Dyan). I hope that everything will be all right with your hand. Of course, we can’t miss your photography. We wish you a lot of strength in the recovery from Wolvega, Holland Gr Daan Overkleeft
OMG, Cole. What a very scary experience that was for you. I wish you a full recovery and am sending my healing thoughts your way.
Everything aligned to ensure your survival. Clearly the universe’s way of saying “Huh-ugh, Cole, not your time. We need you here! To shine light on the beauty.” I can’t express how relived I am that you’re recovering and headed home. Sending you and Dyan so much love 💖.
Cole,
Luck, and God were definitely on your side after being bitten like that. As I’m certain more God, having Dyan there, the quick work of the lifeflight techs and let’s not forget the hospital staff. I’m sure upon your recovery that you will promptly dispatch the little “Bastard” relatively quick though.
God’s speed for a full and quick recovery.
Sending healing thoughts Cole.
Heartfelt wishes for complete recovery.
wow Cole, what an ordeal and so glad you’re on the mend. I’ll never look at mouse traps the same way again. Things went just the way they should have and you’re right to be grateful all these events knitted together the way they did otherwise you’d probably not be with us now. Prayers for you for a speedy and complete recovery.
That’s not an experience I would relish. I’ve gone anaphylactic from a drug infusion and hope never to repeat that. I also wear a pair of heavy gloves when working out in the yard, but I imagine a pair of fangs could penetrate them as well. Get plenty of care while you recover, and hope you continue to dream in black and white as well.
I texted you when I received your email. But here it is again: scarey story but you have been blessed by having Dyan close by, and then the helicopter ride and having taken the alternative medication. Please know that I’m am thinking of you and wishing you a full recovery.
Jesus had your other hand. You’ll figure it out.
Oh, my, Cole! What an ordeal! So sorry that you are going through all of this but glad to hear that you are on the mend. Sending prayers and all my best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. Thinking of you!
Ouch, Cole! Ouch! Glad to hear that you’re healing up and Lil’ Bastard was handled, um, well, never mind.
Cheers to your full recovery!
Jim
Good grief Cole! You are so right–life can change in a second. I am so glad to hear you got the right care at the right time. Many best wishes for a swift and total recovery
Hell’s bells Cole, what a ghastly experience you’ve had. You’re in good hands now, thank goodness for your wife’s quick response. We have lots of ‘bad bastards’ here in Australia so I know how quick they are. Great to see you on the mend now, keep on keeping on, mate. Best wishes and virtual hugs. PS only one sort of good snake – a dead one!
Cole, I finally sat down and read this email you sent, or someone sent, the other day!
Wow! I can’t imagine going through what you just did! But I know God was there by your side during the whole time, how else can you explain everything that took place after the bite! This was not luck that you survived, He blessed you with life! Giving you an extended stay on this earth for a reason, give Him thanks! Glorify Him in all you do each day! I’ll be praying for you every day Cole! I want to see more images come from you!
Hey Cole
So sorry to read about this scary incident
It reminds all of us how life can change in a moment and how we see several different positive things contribute towards a good result.
I will keep you in my prayers and trust for a full recovery and look forward too many years of inspiring images from a special person.
Dear Cole,
Greetings from the UK. At 06.00, I looked at my inbox, saw your name & was expecting to see some amazing B&W images, but they were in colour and very blurred. I was so shocked when I put my glasses on, to see & read what had happened to you. Wishing you a speedy recovery; as you say you are not out of the woods yet, in respect of the right hand, although time is a great healer! I assume that you are elevating it & doing various gentle exercises with a tennis ball?
With kindest regards
Martin
Ps I will send you some more images, this time of Easter in Romania. Have a look on Instagram at the work of a dear friend, who chronicles the lives of a dwindling number of old people in remote parts of the country- Mihnea Turcu- you might be tempted to pay a visit in the future?
We are very Lucky to have him back!! GOD bless!!
We need you more than ever!! You have yet to offer more to us in photography.
I hope this message finds you feeling much better. I read the short version first and then switched to the longer version. Honestly, that is alot to endure and after reading and reflecting on what you wrote, I feel strongly that it was not your time. You are still here for a purpose and that is pretty amazing. I am so incredibly relieved to hear you are recovering. Coming back from the brink like that is nothing short of a miracle. The world still needs your vision and your lens. Wishing you a smooth, steady recovery—take care of yourself!
I let your email sit in my inbox for a day or two because I had a nasty case of Covid, but I’m sure glad I read it today. Writing that post at your early stage of recovery is unbelievable, and I am so happy to hear the recovery in your words. Your work is inspiring to many, and we all wish you a complete recovery!
Marty Cutrone
Prayers for a speedy recovery!
Cole! It has been awhile since we last communicated…. I hope you recall our email convesations from a few years ago, when I had recently retired.
I’m devestated to learn of this event. But, I’m so very happy to hear that you have recovered. I must tell you that I follow your work all the time.
So now, after this event, I struggled to find a bright spot…and I think I have it! You must come out of this with some “snake super powers”!
Apparently, Pit Vipers are able to see infrared heat signtures of warm-blooded prey. I think that would be pretty useful in B&W photography! Think of the advantages! Basically, you would see in B & W!!!!
And you can probably turn it on and off at will! Think about it! Was this a strange gift????
OK….all kidding aside. I’m very happy to hear that you are on the mend! Stay well, and continue to create when you are well!
Cheers,
David England