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Woman rescued by helicopter after snake bite at Serra do Cipó

2 sources · 31 May 2026 · Share coverage ·

verbatim from the press

A 39-year-old woman was rescued by helicopter after being bitten by a snake, possibly a jararaca, while hiking at Serra do Cipó in Santana do Riacho (MG) on Saturday afternoon (30/5). The attack occurred at Vale do Travessão, one of the most well-known areas of the national park.

Press quotes (1)
Estado de Minas

"Uma mulher de 39 anos foi resgatada de helicóptero após ser picada por uma cobra, possivelmente da espécie jararaca, enquanto fazia uma trilha na Serra do Cipó, em Santana do Riacho (MG), na Grande BH, na tarde deste sábado (30/5)."

According to firefighters, she was rescued conscious and in stable health condition. The bite happened in the area below the knee, while the victim was accompanied by other people who called for help and provided first aid, including washing the bite site.

Press quotes (1)
G1

"Segundo os bombeiros, ela foi socorrida consciente e com estado de saúde estável."

To expedite treatment in a difficult-to-access area, the Arcanjo 14 aircraft was mobilized for the rescue. The victim was loaded onto the helicopter and taken to Hospital de Pronto-Socorro João XXIII in Belo Horizonte, which is recognized as a reference center for treating accidents with venomous animals.

Press quotes (1)
Estado de Minas

"a vítima foi embarcada no helicóptero e encaminhada ao Hospital de Pronto-Socorro João XXIII, em Belo Horizonte, referência no atendimento a acidentes com animais peçonhentos"

The Vale do Travessão trail extends approximately 18-20 km and is considered moderate to difficult. Serra do Cipó is home to various species of venomous snakes, including different types of jararacas, whose venom requires rapid application of antivenom.

Press quotes (1)
O Tempo

"A trilha do Vale do Travessão tem uma extensão de aproximadamente 18 km a 20 km, contando a ida e a volta, a depender do ponto de partida e do trajeto escolhido."

1. What we know (2)

The victim was conscious and in stable condition during rescue

3 sources Estado de Minas O Tempo G1

The rescue was performed by firefighters' Arcanjo 14 helicopter

2 sources Estado de Minas O Tempo
2. Where coverage thins out (2)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (2)

Vale do Travessão trail has specific difficulty and extension characteristics

Reported by: O Tempo
Did not cover: Estado de Minas G1

Safety guidelines for snake encounters

Reported by: Estado de Minas
Did not cover: O Tempo G1
3. What we don't know yet (3)
  • What is the current condition of the patient at Hospital João XXIII?

    Why it's still unknown: No updated information about the patient's health status was released after her arrival at the hospital.

    Did not cover: Estado de Minas O Tempo
  • Was the snake species confirmed through technical identification?

    Why it's still unknown: Sources only report that it was possibly a jararaca, without definitive confirmation of the species.

  • How much time elapsed between the bite and the start of hospital treatment?

    Why it's still unknown: Sources do not specify the exact time of the bite or arrival at the hospital.

    Did not cover: Estado de Minas O Tempo G1

All sources

2