BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A group of ATV riders who became lost in the Grant-Valkaria area have been found, Brevard County Fire Rescue said.
According to a release, crews were dispatched at 8:24 a.m. to the area of Mulberry Lane and Grant Road in Grant-Valkaria for a person who may have been bitten by a water moccasin. The 19-year-old girl was part of a group of seven people who had reportedly spent nearly 10 hours riding ATV's in an area south of Grant Road.
Just as rescuers began to search the swamp and wooded area on foot and by ATV, the teen and her friends found their way out on their own, possibly by following the sound of an ambulance siren. Brevard County Sheriff's Office helicopter also searched. The group called 911 and reported their position to dispatchers before their cell phone apparently lost service.
Crews said occasional encounters with other hikers in the area led them to the direction of the group. The group emerged onto Grant Road and met with crews at 9:22 a.m, according to the release.
The 19-year-old was evaluated for a bite or sting on her left foot and was taken to Palm Bay Community Hospital in stable condition.
Witnesses didn't know what bit the teen, crews said. It's not clear what the group was doing in the woods, but the area is popular with hikers, recreational vehicle users, and nature lovers, according to the release.