Estes Park, Colorado — A family celebration in the Colorado mountains took a frightening turn when a grandfather was bitten three times by a rattlesnake, sending him into anaphylactic shock and leaving him fighting for his life.
Michael Padilla, of Windsor, said what began as a stop at one of his family’s favorite roadside locations quickly became a medical emergency that nearly ended in tragedy.
The incident happened after Padilla and his family celebrated his grandson’s 13th birthday in Estes Park before making a stop along U.S. Highway 34, a place the family had visited many times before.
Bite Happened During Stop at Family’s Favorite Spot
Padilla said he was walking across rocks near a river when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his leg.
At first, he wasn’t sure what had happened. Describing the moment, Padilla recalled that it felt “like somebody punched me with a thorn.”
He soon realized something was seriously wrong as the pain intensified and other symptoms began appearing within minutes.
Symptoms Escalated Quickly Before Medical Emergency
Shortly after the bite, Padilla said he began feeling unusually sick.
His wife noticed that his leg was swelling rapidly and that his eyes had become noticeably bloodshot. Recognizing that the situation was becoming critical, the family immediately called 911 for help.
As emergency crews transported him in an ambulance, his condition suddenly worsened.
Padilla went into anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction that can quickly become life-threatening without immediate medical treatment.
Reflecting on the terrifying experience, Padilla said he understood just how close he came to losing his life.
“I literally almost lost my life,” Michael Padilla told NBC affiliate KUSA. “I’m just so freaking thankful that I came out as well as I did, even though it was as bad as it was.”
Doctors Discover Three Rattlesnake Bites
After arriving at the hospital, doctors determined that Padilla had actually been bitten three times by a rattlesnake.
Medical teams worked quickly to counter the venom, administering 18 vials of antivenom as part of his treatment.
The extensive treatment helped stabilize his condition after the dangerous reaction caused by the snake’s venom.
According to Padilla, he never saw the rattlesnake before the attack and believes it had been hidden beneath a rock near the riverbank.
The surprise encounter highlights how well rattlesnakes can blend into their surroundings, making them difficult to spot even in familiar outdoor areas.
Grandfather Recovering After Near-Death Experience
Padilla has since returned home, where he continues recovering from the attack.
Although he still faces a period of healing, he says he is grateful to be alive after what doctors treated as a life-threatening emergency.
His story also serves as a reminder for hikers, anglers and families enjoying Colorado’s outdoor spaces to remain alert around rocky terrain, especially during warmer months when rattlesnakes are more active.
For Padilla, a routine family outing became an unforgettable experience that underscored how quickly nature can become dangerous.
What would you do if you encountered a rattlesnake while hiking or exploring outdoors? Share your thoughts and any safety tips you follow in the comments below.