How to Identify Poisonous Snakes

There are two families of poisonous snakes in North America. They are known as pit vipers and coral snakes.

Pit vipers include the copperhead, cottonmouth (also called water moccasin), and rattlesnake. Pit vipers have long, moveable fangs, triangular heads, slit-like eyes, and a poison sac located behind the eyes. Cottonmouth and copperhead snakes live mainly in the southeast and south central United States. Rattlesnakes can be found throughout the country.

Coral snakes are brightly colored with red, yellow, and black stripes. Some nonpoisonous snakes also look like coral snakes. Remember the verse, “Red against black does venom lack, red against yellow kills a fellow.” Coral snakes are found mainly in the southeastern United States.

Symptoms

The signs of a bite vary with the type of snake. A bite from a pit viper looks like a puncture mark. Immediate pain, burning, redness, and swelling occur within a few minutes. Nausea and vomiting, weakness, increased saliva, and possible seizures may also occur.

Symptoms from a coral snake bite may not appear until up to 12 hours after the bite. The bites appear like tiny scratches in a semicircle. Blurred vision, drowsiness, slurred speech, weakness, increased saliva, and sometimes seizures occur after a bite from a coral snake.

Snakebites from poisonous snakes are rarely fatal when medical assistance is quickly provided. However, anyone bitten by a poisonous snake needs immediate medical attention. Remember what the snake looked like so you can describe it to the doctors who treat you.

Prevention

Snakes strike only when frightened or trapped. You can take the following steps to prevent snakebites:

• Be cautious when in snake territory. Be especially careful around water.
• When hiking, wear long pants and boots to protect your feet and ankles.
• Hike with a companion.
• Walk on clear paths and carry a walking stick.
• Use a flashlight and wear boots at night. Snakes are more active in the cool of the evening.
• Never reach into an area such as a hole or cave without first looking into it. Be cautious when looking.
• Stop walking if you see a snake. Quickly move away, at least 20 feet back along the path you just walked. Watch for other snakes in the same area.

First Aid

• Don’t panic! Venom will spread more rapidly through the body if the person runs or becomes excited. Before giving first aid, identify the snake. Do not use ice on the bite; it can cause serious tissue damage.
• If the bite involves a coral snake, raise the bitten area and don’t move it, then go to the nearest emergency facility.
• If the bite involves a poisonous snake that is not a coral snake, within 30 minutes place a light tourniquet (tight band of any sort) 3 to 4 inches above the bite, between the bite and torso (middle of the body). Do not cut off the circulation. You should be able to slip a finger beneath the band.
• Avoid moving the bitten area and don’t consume alcohol or stimulants.
• For a nonpoisonous snakebite, keep the bite below the level of the heart. Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water, and place a bandage over the wound. Seek medical help promptly.
• Seek medical attention for snake antivenom.
• Get tetanus booster.