Denton County’s Real-Life Spider-Man Hospitalized After Near-Fatal Cottonmouth Snake Bite
Jeremy Sons has spent years putting on a Spider-Man suit to bring smiles to children facing some of the hardest moments of their young lives. But this week, the man known as Denton County’s very own Spider-Man found himself fighting a frightening battle of his own after being bitten twice by a venomous cottonmouth snake.

The 46-year-old has become a familiar and beloved figure in his community. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sons began dressing as Spider-Man to visit and encourage children in hospitals. What started as a way to bring some happiness during an especially difficult time quickly became an ongoing mission.

Even after the pandemic, Sons continued visiting sick children whenever he could, using the superhero character to give them a reason to smile and helping them forget, even briefly, about their illnesses and difficult circumstances.

His commitment to children extended beyond hospital visits. Following the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Sons organized a toy drive to collect donations for children affected by the tragedy. His efforts were another example of how seriously he takes his role as a real-life superhero in the community.

Outside of his Spider-Man activities, Sons and his wife operate Clear Creek Adventure Ranch in Sanger, a nonprofit facility dedicated to helping rescue and care for animals.

It was while he and his wife were on their property searching for animals earlier this week that an ordinary day suddenly turned into a medical emergency.

Sons was reaching underneath a log when a cottonmouth snake struck him twice.

The encounter happened so quickly that he initially had little time to process what was happening. He told FOX 4 that after being bitten, he pulled the snake away and immediately saw its large fangs.

The venom began causing a severe reaction, and Sons was rushed for emergency medical treatment. He was eventually taken to a Fort Worth intensive care unit, where doctors began treating the effects of the venom.

Sons said he has already received 30 vials of antivenom, while his right arm remains severely swollen.

Doctors also had to perform emergency surgery during the early morning hours because of the swelling. Sons explained that the medical team was concerned about the pressure caused by the swelling and wanted to protect his hand.

For now, his arm has to remain elevated as he continues to recover in the ICU. He described how his arm is being supported by a net to keep it raised while doctors monitor his condition.

According to Sons, his doctor told him that his physical reaction was among the worst the doctor had seen from a snake bite.

Despite everything he has gone through, however, Sons isn’t blaming the snake.

Instead, he says he understands that the animal was simply reacting according to its instincts.

“It wasn’t the snake’s fault. I’m the one that made the mistake,” Sons explained, emphasizing that the cottonmouth was only doing what nature had made it do.

His attitude is striking, especially after such a frightening encounter.

The man who has spent years pretending to be a superhero for children is now facing a very real fight to recover himself. Yet his determination and positive outlook remain intact.

His recovery is expected to take time. Once the swelling in his arm decreases, Sons will need to undergo another surgery as doctors continue working to repair the damage caused by the bite.

For the children who know him as Spider-Man, this time the superhero is the one who needs encouragement.

Jeremy Sons has spent years reminding sick and frightened children that heroes can show up when people need them most. Now, his community is hoping to return that kindness by surrounding him with support as he works toward recovery.

The road ahead may involve more treatment and another surgery, but Denton County’s Spider-Man is still fighting.

And this time, his biggest mission is simply to get well.