In an unexpected and harrowing incident, Peggy Jones, a 64-year-old resident of Silsbee, Texas, faced a series of alarming events while innocently mowing the lawn on her six-acre property. Little did she know that her routine chore would lead to a bizarre encounter with nature that left her both physically injured and emotionally shaken.
On the evening of July 25, seeking refuge from the scorching triple-digit heat, Jones embarked on her task of mowing an open field at the back of her property. Unbeknownst to her, a snake measuring approximately four feet in length plummeted from the sky, entwining itself around her right arm. This sudden assault was swiftly followed by a terrifying onslaught from a swooping hawk. The raptor relentlessly struck at her, leaving her bloodied and battered.
Recalling the ordeal, Jones recounted, “As you’re trying to sling it off, he’s striking me in my face… It’s like he’s glued onto my arm.” The dual assault was unrelenting, with the snake wrapping itself around her arm while the hawk’s talons dug into her flesh.
In a desperate bid for survival, Jones sought divine intervention, whispering, “Jesus, please help me. Help me Jesus.” The battle between the snake, the hawk, and Jones continued for mere seconds that felt like an agonizing eternity. Eventually, the hawk managed to wrench the snake away and disappeared into the sky, leaving Jones traumatized and injured.
Jones, still in shock, turned to her husband, Wendell, and shared the terrifying encounter. Together, they rushed to the hospital, located about 15 minutes away, where Jones received immediate medical attention. Doctors initially suspected snakebite, given the puncture marks on her arm, but upon closer examination, they determined that the injuries were more likely caused by the hawk’s talons.
For Jones, this incident evoked painful memories of a previous venomous snakebite she endured two years prior. Despite her past encounter with snakes, she distinguished the current wounds from those inflicted by the serpent’s fangs. Jones has since been grappling with the psychological aftermath of the traumatic event, experiencing nightmares and sleep disturbances.
Jones has chosen to halt her lawn-mowing activities since the attack, still reeling from the extraordinary series of events. She remains grateful for her survival and the chance to share her extraordinary story, despite the toll it has taken on her well-being.
