Snake Bites

Andy Williams from the Lichterman Nature Center talks about snakes and specifically snake bites. What he says applies to the Mid-South. When you move to other areas of the country or world the attributes of venomous snakes can be different in important ways.  In the United States every year about 45,000 people are bitten by snakes. Of those 6000-7000 are bit by venomous snakes, and only 5-6 die from the bites. However, people tend to have an extreme reaction to snakes. In the Memphis area there are four kinds of venomous snakes: timber and pigmy rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins. Copperheads are the most common kind of venomous snake in the Memphis area but their bites are rarely fatal. Venomous snakes in the Memphis area have elliptical pupils and an arrow shaped head. If you encounter a snake step back at least three feet and the snake will likely slither away. When people are bit by a snake they tend to have an overwhelming fear. This is not caused by the bite or the venom but by their emotional response to being bitten. You should seek medical attention as quickly as you can for any snake bite, venomous or non-venomous.

July 30, 2016

Related Resources:
Snakes: Information for Missouri Homeowners
Avoiding Snake Bites
Deterring Unwanted Snakes