David Orin | Survived Rattlesnake Bite & Built 1.5M Follower Wildlife Channel | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 951

David Orin is a 25-year-old herping social media star with 1.5 million followers on Instagram who specializes in finding and documenting reptiles and amphibians in the wild. On June 4th, 2023, Orin survived a near-fatal Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake bite in Florida's Big Cypress area that put him in the ICU for 13 nights and the hospital for 16 days total. In this conversation, Orin reveals how he got interested in reptiles at three or four years old, what he was thinking during those critical moments after the bite, the multiple surgeries he endured to save his leg, and why he went back to herping just three months after being released from the hospital. This is a story about passion that refused to die even when venom was coursing through his veins.

From Leopard Geckos to Florida's Wildest Reptiles

David Orin's fascination with reptiles began when he was just three or four years old after seeing his uncle's corn snake in an enclosure. That early encounter sparked something that would define his entire life. By age seven or eight, he got his first pet reptile—a leopard gecko—and became obsessed with it, spending hours watching and feeding it. But it wasn't until he turned 16 that he started getting serious about finding wild reptiles and documenting them. Living in Florida, which Orin calls "the reptile capital of the world," gave him access to incredible diversity. He started in areas near where he lived, then ventured into more remote locations as his experience grew. What began as a personal passion would eventually become a platform that educates 1.5 million people. Hear how Orin's childhood obsession turned into a career at the beginning of the episode.

Building a Social Media Empire on Authentic Wild Encounters

When David Orin started his Instagram account at 18 or 19 years old, he had no idea it would explode to 1.5 million followers. His approach was different from what was already out there—he documented real encounters with wild reptiles and amphibians, showing people the authentic experience of herping rather than staged content. That authenticity resonated with viewers who were drawn to the raw reality of his adventures. As his following grew, so did his opportunities to visit different locations and create more content, creating a snowball effect. Orin didn't stop at Instagram—he launched YouTube channels, created a merchandise line, and started collaborating with brands that aligned with his mission of wildlife education. The platform he's built goes far beyond social media numbers; it's become what he calls a "wildlife empire" focused on correcting misinformation about reptiles and inspiring people to appreciate and protect wildlife. The story of how his content strategy differed from everyone else starts around 04:40.

The Rattlesnake Bite That Almost Ended Everything

June 4th, 2023 started like any other herping day for David Orin in Florida's Big Cypress area, a prime location for finding Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes. He was hiking through palmetto scrub when he came across what he thought was a venomous snake and approached it cautiously. But Orin made a critical mistake—he was too focused on documenting the snake instead of paying attention to his surroundings. He stepped too close, and the snake struck his left leg just above his ankle. The moment he felt the bite, he knew immediately it was serious and that his life was in danger. What happened next reveals the training and composure that likely saved his life. Orin called 911, told them exactly where he was, and walked carefully out of the area without running because he knew that moving too fast could make the venom spread faster. The venom from an Eastern Diamondback is incredibly potent and starts breaking down tissue immediately. By the time paramedics got him to the hospital, the real battle was just beginning. The complete account of what happened during those critical moments starts at 05:12.

Thirteen Nights in the ICU and the Will to Return

The hospital experience was intense and terrifying. David Orin spent 13 nights in the ICU fighting for his leg and possibly his life as doctors worked to counteract the Eastern Diamondback's venom with antivenom treatments. He underwent multiple surgeries to prevent tissue damage and remove necrotic tissue that was already forming. After being released from the ICU, he spent another three days in the regular hospital before finally going home. But the recovery process stretched for months—he had to do physical therapy and be extremely careful not to re-injure his leg. At first, Orin was genuinely worried he might lose function in his leg permanently. Thanks to the skill of his medical team, he retained full mobility and full sensation, though he was left with scarring and some sensitivity. What happened next shocked a lot of people: just three months after the bite that nearly killed him, David Orin was back out herping. Many thought he was crazy, but for him, herping is a passion he refuses to abandon. The experience did change him, though—he became even more cautious, paying closer attention to his surroundings and being more careful about how he approaches snakes. The full story of his recovery and why he went back so quickly starts at 06:14.

Turning Tragedy Into a Mission for Wildlife Education

The rattlesnake bite didn't just change David Orin's approach to herping—it amplified his mission to educate people about reptiles and dispel the fear and hatred that comes from misunderstanding. He believes that most of the negative attitudes toward snakes stem from a lack of knowledge, and he's determined to change that perception through his platform. Since the bite, his social media following has continued to grow significantly, with many people becoming more interested in his story and content. Orin has leveraged that attention into expanding his reach even further—he's working on multiple YouTube channels with educational content, mentoring younger people interested in herping, exploring documentary projects about his life and work, and getting involved in conservation advocacy. He's also collaborating with brands that align with his values and mission. For Orin, the most rewarding part isn't the follower count or the business opportunities—it's using his platform to make a positive impact on how people view and interact with wildlife. His message to his followers is simple: get outside, explore nature, appreciate the wildlife around you, and if you're interested in herping or wildlife education, reach out to him on social media. David's vision for the future of his wildlife empire starts at 08:20.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I've talked to a lot of people who are passionate about what they do, but David Orin takes it to another level. Getting bitten by one of the most venomous snakes in North America and then going right back out there three months later—that's not recklessness, that's pure passion. What impressed me most about this conversation was David's composure when he talked about the bite itself. The fact that he remained calm enough to call 911, give his exact location, and walk himself out carefully instead of panicking shows the kind of mental discipline that translates across any pursuit.

What David is building goes way beyond social media followers. He's educating people about wildlife in a way that actually changes minds and breaks down fear. The authenticity in his content is what makes it work—he's not staging encounters or creating drama, he's showing people the real experience of being out there with these incredible animals. That's something I respect deeply because it's the same approach we take with fishing content. Show people the real thing, the real challenges, the real rewards.

If you're interested in wildlife, conservation, or just hearing an incredible survival story from someone who refused to let it stop him, this conversation is absolutely worth your time. David's only 25 years old and he's already survived something that would make most people quit forever. Instead, he's turned it into fuel for his mission. Listen to the whole thing.