Snakes Bite
Snakes generally do not seek out humans or pets as prey; most bites occur as defensive reactions. Understanding the situations that increase the likelihood of snake bites can help you prevent them:
Startled or Cornered: Snakes are ambush predators and will often stay hidden until threatened. If a human or pet accidentally steps on, kicks, or corner a snake, it is more likely to bite as a defensive measure. Examples include stepping near tall grass, rocks, or logs without looking, and attempting to handle a snake or pick it up without experience.
Protecting Their Territory or Nest: Female snakes guarding eggs or newly hatched young may act aggressively if approached. Some species, like rattlesnakes, will coil and strike if someone comes too close.
During Hunting or Feeding: Snakes may strike if a person or pet is mistaken for prey, though this is rare. Pets like cats or small dogs trying to play with or attack a snake may provoke defensive strikes.
Sudden Environmental Changes: Snakes may feel threatened if disturbed by loud noises, vibrations, or sudden movements. Examples include mowing the lawn, hiking on trails without watching the ground, and pets running toward a hiding snake.
Handling or Capturing: Attempting to pick up or move a snake, even non-venomous ones, carries a high bite risk. Many bites occur when people try to “rescue” snakes or remove them from property without protective tools.
Snake Bites
Snake bites can range from minor to life-threatening depending on the species, the amount of venom injected, the location of the bite, and how quickly medical treatment is received. Here are some of the potential risks associated with snake bites:
Local Effects
These are typically the first symptoms at the bite site:
Pain and swelling: Almost all snake bites cause immediate pain, which can intensify over hours. Swelling may spread along the limb.
Redness and bruising: Some bites leave visible marks or discoloration.
Blistering or tissue damage: Venom from certain snakes, especially pit vipers, can cause necrosis (tissue death) around the bite site.
Numbness or tingling: Can indicate neurotoxic effects from certain snakes (e.g., coral snakes).
Systemic (Whole-Body) Effects
These occur when venom spreads through the bloodstream:
Nausea and vomiting
Sweating or chills
Dizziness or fainting
Rapid heart rate or low blood pressure
Difficulty breathing: Especially concerning if venom affects the respiratory muscles (neurotoxic venom).
Internal bleeding: Some venom interferes with blood clotting, leading to excessive bleeding or bruising.
Severe or Life-Threatening Risks
These are more common with venomous bites:
Organ failure: Kidneys and other organs can be damaged by hemotoxic venom.
Shock: Due to pain, blood loss, or allergic reactions to venom.
Permanent tissue loss or amputation: Severe necrosis may require surgical intervention.
Death: Rare, but possible without prompt treatment, especially in children, elderly, or if the snake is highly venomous.
Secondary Complications
Infection: Snake mouths carry bacteria, which can cause infection if the bite is untreated.
Allergic reactions: Rare, but some people may develop anaphylaxis to snake venom.
Psychological effects: Trauma from the bite can lead to anxiety or fear of outdoor areas.
Risk Factors That Make Bites More Dangerous
Type of snake: Venomous species like rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes carry higher risk.
Location of the bite: Bites on the head, neck, or torso are more dangerous than extremities.
Delay in treatment: The longer it takes to reach medical care, the greater the risk of serious complications.
Amount of venom injected: Dry bites occur (no venom), but many bites inject substantial venom.
Prompt medical care is essential for any snake bite, even if it initially seems minor. Treatment may include antivenom, pain management, wound care, and monitoring for systemic effects.
What Do Snake Bites Look Like
The appearance of a snake bite can vary depending on the species, whether the snake is venomous or non-venomous, and how the bite was delivered:
Non-Venomous Snake Bites
Puncture marks: Usually two small, closely spaced fang marks. Some species leave more irregular teeth impressions.
Minor redness: The area may be slightly red or irritated.
Minimal swelling: Swelling is usually localized and mild.
Bleeding: There may be minor bleeding at the puncture sites.
Pain: Often mild to moderate; typically not severe.
Venomous Snake Bites
Puncture marks: Two distinct fang marks, often with slight bruising around them.
Swelling: Rapid, spreading swelling is common, sometimes extending several inches from the bite site.
Redness and bruising: The area may become dark, blotchy, or even blistered.
Blisters or necrosis: Some snakes, especially pit vipers, can cause tissue damage that forms blisters or blackened areas.
Pain: Usually immediate and intense, often throbbing or burning.
Bleeding: The site may bleed more than a non-venomous bite, and sometimes bleeding occurs elsewhere due to blood clotting issues (hemotoxic venom).
Other signs: Tingling, numbness, or a spreading warmth may appear around the bite, particularly with neurotoxic snakes like coral snakes.
Additional Notes
Some bites leave only minor marks, especially if the snake is small or delivers a “dry bite” (no venom).
Pets may show signs differently: swelling, limping, excessive licking of the bite site, drooling, or lethargy.
What To Do About Snake Bites
If you or someone else gets bitten by a snake, immediate and careful action is critical, especially if the snake may be venomous. Here’s what to do if you get bitten by a snake:
Stay Calm
Panic increases heart rate and circulation, which can spread venom faster.
Try to keep the bitten limb immobile and lower than the heart.
Call Emergency Services Immediately
Dial 911 (or your local emergency number).
Time is critical, especially for venomous bites. Antivenom may be needed.
Remove Constrictions
Remove rings, watches, tight clothing, or shoes near the bite. Swelling can happen rapidly.
Limit Movement
Avoid walking or running.
Keep the affected limb still to slow venom spread.
Use a splint if necessary, but don’t make it tight.
Clean the Bite
Wash the area gently with soap and water if available.
Do not cut the bite, suck out the venom, or apply ice.
Cover the Bite
Cover loosely with a clean, dry dressing.
Monitor for Symptoms
Watch for:
Difficulty breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or fainting
Severe swelling or discoloration
Numbness or tingling
Communicate these symptoms to medical personnel.
Avoid Certain Actions
Do not:
Try to capture or kill the snake (take a photo if safe).
Apply tourniquets.
Apply ice or heat.
Drink alcohol or caffeine (these can worsen circulation).
For Pets
Keep pets calm and restrained.
Transport them to a veterinarian immediately.
Note the snake’s appearance if possible for identification (helps with antivenom decisions).
Professional Treatment
At the hospital, treatment may include:
Antivenom for venomous bites
Pain management
Wound care for tissue damage
Monitoring for systemic effects (blood clotting, organ function)
Prompt, calm action is the most important factor in preventing serious complications from snake bites.