Facts
  • Snakes hibernate during colder months.
  • In spring and fall they may be found during daytime, but during summer they will generally be found during night, since they cannot stand excessive heat.
  • All snakes will bite when threatened or surprised.
  • Most will avoid people if possible and only bite as a last resort.
  • Most snakes are harmless and their bites are not life-threatening, but unless you are absolutely sure you know the species, treat it seriously.

 

Causes of Injury
  • Venom is injected from two fangs in front of upper jaw
  • Bites are usually on hands or legs.

 

Prevention
  • Wear long pants and high boots.
  • Walk in open areas.
  • Avoid areas where snakes may hide (under rocks & logs or in tall grasses).
  • Avoid picking up, disturbing or cornering snakes.
  • Do not provoke a snake.
  • Tap ahead with a walking stick before entering an area where feet cannot be seen to give snakes a warning and hopefully avoid you.
  • Do NOT put a hand or foot into a dark place (hollow log or crevice) without looking inside.
  • Do NOT sleep next to tall grass or brush.

 

Planning/Packing Guide
  • Long pants
  • High boots
  • Hiking stick
  • Camera to identify snake
  • Bandana (or elastic bandage) for constricting band
  • Snake bite kit. Do NOT use razors in old snake bite kits.

 

Symptoms
  • Rattlesnake and Copperhead bites produce immediate symptoms.
  • Fang marks on skin
  • Bleeding
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Swelling / skin discoloration (probably poisonous)
  • Blurred vision / droopy eyelids
  • Numbness / tingling
  • Burning of the skin / severe pain
  • Weak rapid pulse
  • Nausea / vomiting
  • Excessive salivation, difficult swallowing, tongue & throat swelling, and slurred speech

 

First Aid
  • Keep calm.
  • Restrict movement.
  • Clean and disinfect wound.
  • Keep affected area below heart level to reduce venom flow.
  • Let the wound bleed freely for 30 seconds.
  • Apply suction device.
  • Remove jewelry and constrictions.
  • Apply a constricting band above the bite (be able to insert two fingers under the band).
    Do not release the band unless it becomes too tight from swelling.
  • Mark edge of swelling and time the progression.
  • If signs of shock, lay down, elevate feet & cover with a blanket.
  • Get medical help.
  • Bring the dead snake IF it can be done without risk and without time delay.(Be careful during transport as a snake can bite up to an hour after death.)
  • It is safer to get an accurate description or snap a photo of the snake.
  • Do NOT apply a tourniquet.
  • Do NOT cut the fang marks with a knife or razor.
  • Do NOT suck out the venom by mouth.
  • Do NOT give anything by mouth.
  • Do NOT give stimulants or pain medications.
  • Do NOT raise the bite above the level of the heart.
  • In remote areas, start walking the victim toward transportation to shorten evacuation in case the victim gets quite ill.
  • Call ahead to the Emergency Department so they can get anti-venom.
  • Call National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for further instructions.

 

Identification of Poisonous Species

 

Related Links