Missing Hikers Found In Grant-Valkaria
By Space Coast Daily // July 4, 2012
Woman Reportedly Bitten by Snake
BREVARD COUNTY • GRANT, FLORIDA – A missing group of hikers were located this morning by rescue staff.
Lt. Jeff Taylor said Brevard County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched at 8:24 a.m. to the area of Mulberry Lane and Grant Road in Grant-Valkaria for a person who had been bitten by a water moccasin.
Taylor said a 19-year-old woman reportedly bitten by the snake was part of a group of seven people who had reportedly spent nearly 10 hours in an area south of Grant Road.
Rescuers searched the swamp and wooded area on foot and by ATV, but were unable to locate the group.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search using their STAR helicopter with one BCFR paramedic aboard.
The missing group called 911 and reported their position to dispatchers before their cell phone apparently lost service.
Rescuers depended on their knowledge of the area and occasional encounters with other hikers to predict the direction the group had traveled.
Ultimately, the group emerged onto Grant Road and met up with rescue crews at 9:22 a.m, Taylor said.
The woman was evaluated for a bite or sting or unknown origin to the left foot and was transported to Palm Bay Community Hospital in stable condition.
No snake was located and witnesses were unsure what actually bit her.
It is unclear what the group was doing in the wooded area, but the area is popular with hikers, recreational vehicle users, and nature lovers.
