Local broadcaster KTLA5 reported the incident Thursday, adding the snakebite almost cost 36-year-old Alex Gomez, a resident of Lake Elsinore (California), his hand.

Gomez's mother showed KTLA5 pictures of him holding the snake and even entwined around his neck, taken moments before he was bitten.

Gomez has been discharged after receiving medical attention and is currently recovering at home.