Snake Bites: Everything You Want to Know with Facts and Videos

Understanding Snake Bites

Snake bites happen more often than most people think. The World Health Organization estimates that around 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes every year worldwide, with roughly 2.7 million of those bites coming from venomous species. While snake bites in the United States are relatively rare and fatalities are extremely uncommon thanks to modern medical care, knowing how to prevent, identify, and respond to a snake bite is valuable knowledge for anyone who spends time outdoors.

Venomous vs. Non Venomous Snake Bites

Not all snake bites are created equal. The vast majority of snake species are non venomous, and their bites, while potentially painful, are not medically significant. A bite from a non venomous snake like a corn snake or king snake typically results in minor puncture wounds that heal on their own with basic first aid and cleaning.

Venomous snake bites are a different story. In the United States, the venomous snakes you need to be concerned about are rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasins), and coral snakes. Each of these delivers venom that can cause serious medical complications if not treated promptly.

How to Tell if a Bite Is Venomous

After a snake bite, certain symptoms can help indicate whether venom was injected. Signs of a venomous bite typically include immediate and intense pain at the bite site, rapid swelling that spreads from the wound, bruising or discoloration around the bite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or lightheadedness, numbness or tingling, and difficulty breathing. Non venomous bites usually cause only localized pain and minor bleeding without the progressive symptoms listed above.

However, it is critically important to never try to self diagnose a snake bite. If you are bitten by a snake and are unsure whether it was venomous, always seek medical attention immediately. Some venomous bites may not show severe symptoms right away, and waiting can allow the venom to cause more damage.

What to Do if Bitten by a Snake

If you or someone near you is bitten by a snake, the most important thing is to stay calm and get to a hospital as quickly as possible. Here is what you should do: stay calm and move away from the snake to prevent additional bites. Remove any jewelry, watches, or tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts. Keep the bitten area at or below heart level if possible. Take a photo of the snake if you can do so safely, as this helps medical professionals identify the species and choose the right treatment. Call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room immediately.

What NOT to Do After a Snake Bite

There are many myths about snake bite first aid that can actually make things worse. Do not try to suck the venom out of the wound. This does not work and can introduce bacteria into the bite. Do not apply a tourniquet, as cutting off blood flow can cause tissue damage and concentrate the venom in one area. Do not apply ice to the bite, because this can worsen tissue damage. Do not cut the wound open to try to drain the venom. And do not drink alcohol or take pain medications like aspirin, which can thin the blood and worsen bleeding.

Types of Snake Venom

Snake venom is a complex mixture of proteins and enzymes that varies significantly between species. The main types of venom effects include hemotoxic venom, which destroys red blood cells and damages blood vessels, causing internal bleeding and tissue damage. Rattlesnakes and copperheads primarily deliver hemotoxic venom. Neurotoxic venom attacks the nervous system, potentially causing paralysis and respiratory failure. Coral snakes and cobras deliver neurotoxic venom. Cytotoxic venom destroys cells and tissue at the bite site, causing severe local damage and potentially requiring surgery.

Many venomous snakes deliver venom that combines multiple types of toxins, making each bite unique in its effects and complicating treatment.

Snake Bites in the United States

In the United States, approximately 7,000 to 8,000 venomous snake bites occur each year. Of these, only about 5 result in death, thanks to the widespread availability of antivenom and modern emergency medical care. The vast majority of venomous bites in the U.S. are from pit vipers, with rattlesnakes being the most common culprits.

Most bites happen between April and October when both snakes and humans are most active outdoors. The states with the highest rates of venomous snake bites include Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Arizona. Men between the ages of 18 and 35 account for a disproportionate number of bite victims, often because they are attempting to handle or kill the snake rather than simply walking away.

How Antivenom Works

Antivenom is the primary treatment for serious venomous snake bites. It works by introducing antibodies that bind to and neutralize the venom components in the bloodstream. Antivenom is produced by injecting small amounts of venom into large animals (usually horses or sheep), which develop antibodies against the venom. These antibodies are then purified and made into antivenom that can be administered to bite victims.

Antivenom is most effective when administered as soon as possible after a bite. It can reverse many of the effects of envenomation, but it cannot undo tissue damage that has already occurred. This is why getting to a hospital quickly is so important. Antivenom treatment can be expensive in the United States, sometimes costing tens of thousands of dollars, which is a significant issue for uninsured bite victims.

Pet Snake Bites

Bites from pet snakes are a common concern for new snake owners, but they are almost never dangerous. Most popular pet snakes like corn snakes, ball pythons, and king snakes are non venomous, and their bites are comparable to a cat scratch. Pet snake bites usually happen during feeding time when the snake mistakes a hand for food, or when the snake feels startled or insecure.

If you are bitten by a non venomous pet snake, simply wash the wound with soap and warm water, apply an antiseptic, and keep an eye on it for signs of infection. The bite will heal on its own within a few days. To reduce the chance of being bitten, wash your hands before handling your snake (especially after handling prey items), approach the snake calmly, and avoid handling during or immediately after feeding.

How to Prevent Snake Bites

The best way to deal with a snake bite is to avoid getting one in the first place. When hiking or spending time in areas where snakes are common, wear sturdy boots and long pants. Watch where you step, especially when walking through tall grass, rocky areas, or near fallen logs. Never reach into spaces you cannot see clearly, like rock crevices, wood piles, or under bushes. Use a flashlight when walking at night in snake country.

If you see a snake, give it plenty of space and walk around it. Most snake bites happen when people try to handle, kill, or get too close to a snake. Simply leaving the snake alone eliminates the vast majority of bite risk. Remember that snakes play important roles in their ecosystems and deserve to be left in peace.

Frequently Asked Questions