Minneapolis- Ron Paul was making a routine campaign stop in rural Minnesota when screams came from the crowd of 30 or so on-lookers as they scurried out of the way of what appeared to be a rolling tire. Paul saw it at the last minute and turned to run when the Hoop Snake uncoiled and struck his posterior.
The snake continued to hang on to Mr. Paul as he ran dragging the large reptile behind him. Finally one of Mr. Paul's personal security guards, a Mr Craig, hit the snake with a stick, then proceeded to beat the snake to its death.
Hoop Snakes are a rare species of snakes that can bite their tail and roll like a tire. They are particularly dangerous in the fall when they become quite depressed and edgy due to the coming winter and impending hibernation. They often will attack humans in order to vent their frustration.
Mr. Paul was air evacuated to St. Paul, where they have Hoop Snake anti-venom. Mr. Paul's security guard is being fined for killing the Hoop Snake which is on the endangered species list.