9-year-old bitten by rattlesnake in Charleston

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Authorities say a 9-year-old boy is in serious condition after he was bitten by a rattlesnake last week while playing at a park in North Charleston.

Charleston County Parks and Recreation officials say the boy was jumping on a log in the woods at the 1,000-acre Wannamaker County Park the day before Thanksgiving when he was bitten twice.

Officials say the boy was playing about 75 feet off a trail. Park guidelines ask visitors to stay on marked paths and trails for safety.

Authorities say the boy was taken to a hospital, where a spokesman said he remained in critical condition until Tuesday, when he was upgraded.