DNR: Girl bit by copperhead at Brown County State Park

A girl was bitten by what is believed to be a copperhead snake while at a Brown County State Park campground over the weekend.

Authorities with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources say that the girl suffered two puncture wounds to her ankle after running around a tent and up to the treeline at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday night.

The family called 911 and took her to meet a Columbus Regional Hospital ambulance at the park entrance and she was taken to IU Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.

DNR says that the girl will make a full recovery.

Although the snake was not found, despite a search by authorities, copperhead snakes have bitten park visitors previously. The attack fit the pattern of previous attacks — happening in the dark, and the victim was not using a flashlight in the poorly lit area.

DNR says that the venomous snakes are a vital part of the ecosystem managing rodent populations and in turn reducing the number of ticks. Authorities also point out that it is illegal to kill a snake on Indiana State Parks property.