(Wes Comment: Not uite a 'venom' story ... but I think that we need a 'win' in this forum just to lighten the mood a bit ... though I have sympathy too for the injured trooper. Cheers, W)
WZVN (Naples, Florida) 14 July 04 Soldier shot by brother trying to kill rattlesnake
Charlotte County: Deputies say a man shot his brother in the ankle while trying to kill a rattlesnake.
According to investigators, 21-year-old Michael Apostolou, who was on leave from the Army, was shot by 22-year-old James Apostolou around 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Deputies say the men were working in the backyard of the home at 12151 Duval Boulevard in the Gulf Cove area when they heard the snake.
James reportedly went into the house to get a .22 caliber handgun to kill the snake, which had coiled at Michael's feet.
Deputies say James aimed for the snake's head, but missed and shot Michael in the right ankle. He was taken to Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte.
Investigators say the snake got away.
Soldier shot by brother trying to kill rattlesnake
