Snake Safety: What You Need to Know
Wellness
August and September are peak birthing times for many snakes in the U.S., so they may be more plentiful as you continue to enjoy your outdoor activities. Understanding general snake behavior, recognizing potential dangers, and learning safety and first-aid information can help you and your family enjoy your extended outdoor time as you close out the hotter months of summer and welcome the coolness of fall.
Snake Basics: Venomous vs. Non-Venomous
For purposes of safety, snakes are typically grouped into venomous (what many refer to as “poisonous”) and non-venomous. Your chances of encountering any type of snake will vary depending on geographical region, environment, and conditions in your immediate surroundings, but it’s good to know common snake types in your area. Clicking on your state of residence—or a state you may be visiting—will provide you with a list of native venomous snakes. Note that varieties of several venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes are common in many states.
There are also many non-venomous snakes, such as garter snakes, rat snakes, and hognose snakes. While non-venomous, if these snakes do bite you, it can still be painful and may cause irritation.
Any snake bite should be taken seriously and medical attention should be sought regardless of the type of snake you believe you may have been bitten by.
Is Your Environment Snake-Friendly?
Like the rest of us, snakes seek food, water, and shelter. Appealing food sources include rodents, insects, and other small animals such as frogs – and sometimes even other snakes. They also seek out cool, damp places to hide, so piles of leaves, tall grass, and debris can be inviting. Many people encounter snakes early in the morning as they begin gardening, after a rainfall in tall grass, or under a pile of leaves, so use caution in situations such as these.
To deter snakes, keep your yard clean and free of debris, maintain short grass, and seal any gaps or cracks in your home’s foundation where snakes might enter. Eliminating rodent populations can also reduce the chances of snakes coming near your property.
On the other hand, snakes also offer excellent rodent control (and the parasites they carry) and in general don’t want to be bothered by humans. If you can tolerate their existence, or are comfortable with identifying local non-venomous species, snakes can provide you with beneficial and free pest control.
Safety Steps in Case of a Snake Bite
If you or a family member, including pets, are bitten by a snake, remember these essential steps:
- Stay Calm. Staying calm can help slow the spread of venom.
- Move Away. Get a safe distance away from the snake.
- Call Emergency Services. Seek immediate medical attention, as antivenin may be necessary.
- Do Not Apply a Tourniquet.
- Do Not Try to Suck Out the Venom. This is an old myth popularized by movies and can be both harmful and ineffective. Instead, focus on getting to a medical facility as quickly as possible.
If your pet is bitten and is wearing a collar, immediately remove the collar, then take your pet to your nearest veterinarian or emergency animal hospital. (Do this even if your dog received the rattlesnake vaccination.).
If the snake is dead, do NOT pick it up; they can still envenomate, or bite. You do not have to bring the snake with you to a health care facility. You can learn more about specific snake bites here and what to expect during treatment.
By understanding snake behavior and knowing how to react during snake encounters you can minimize risks and keep yourself and your loved ones safe during times of peak snake activity. If you are concerned about the snake population in your yard, contact a qualified pest control service.
If you are enrolled in a Transocean medical plan and you are still experiencing problems, or have concerns after being treated for a snake bite, contact 2nd.MD to speak to a health care professional and get a second opinion about your medical treatment.