- This topic has 0 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 2 months, 1 week ago by
.
-
-
This is Bill Haast:
He was a man who willingly injected himself with the venom of several snake species in a bid to build immunity. Over the years, he endured more than 20 near-fatal snake bites—each one life-threatening—leaving permanent scars etched across his hands as proof of his encounters.
Since 1917, when a seven-year-old Haast first picked up a garden snake, more than 3 million snakes would eventually pass through his hands. His fascination with reptiles grew so strong that he dropped out of school to pursue his passion, founding an entertainment company that staged daring snake shows.
In 1947, he opened the Miami Serpentarium, a landmark where he performed live demonstrations, milked venom from snakes, and carried out groundbreaking research.
Through his experiments, Haast contributed to saving over 6,000 snake-bite victims by providing venom extracts used in the production of antivenom. Despite lacking formal scientific training, his deep, practical knowledge of snakes and venom extraction earned him recognition in the medical community.
Nicknamed the “Snake Man,” Haast also developed antibodies to multiple species of vipers. On at least 21 occasions, he personally saved lives by donating his own blood for transfusions to victims of venomous bites.
His research even led him to believe that certain venoms could help treat illnesses like multiple sclerosis and arthritis. Haast injected himself with small doses daily, convinced that this unusual practice not only preserved his health but also enabled him to live a vibrant life well past 100.
-
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.