A report in Atlanta Constitution Journal says Douglas Hatchett was examining shoes on a rack when a rattlesnake concealed behind a shoebox bit him Tuesday. When the snake fell to the floor, Hatchett stomped it to death.
Police, fire and emergency medical crews were called to the scene.
The 31-year-old shopper and the dead snake were hustled to Brownwood Regional Medical Center. There, the snake was confirmed as a rattler, and Hatchett was treated and released. Wal-Mart officials said the matter was being investigated.