OUTDOORS: Avoiding and surviving venomous snakebites

Despite the fact that a high percentage of people are fascinated by and fearful of snakes, these interesting reptiles are likely Southwest Georgia’s most misunderstood wildlife group. Though the majority of our region’s snake species are nonvenomous and harmless, outdoors lovers should use caution and common sense when outside during daytime or nighttime hours. Snakes, as a rule, are most active at night, especially during the warmer months of the year.

“Our region has six snake species that are venomous,” wildlife biologist Justin Monk said. “Five of these poisonous snakes are classified as pit vipers. Pit vipers have a depression (pit) on both sides of the face between the eye and nostril. They have vertical, cat-like pupils along with triangular-shaped heads, thin necks, and heavy bodies and they all have hollow, retractable fangs near the front of the mouth. Southwest Georgia’s pit vipers include the diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, copperhead and water moccasin (cottonmouth).”

Our sixth species of venomous snake, the uncommonly encountered coral snake, is not classified as a pit viper. Coral snakes have oval-shaped, elongated heads with thin bodies. They are small in stature and have distinct body markings with a series of red, yellow and black bands, while their heads and snouts are black. Coral snakes produce a neurotoxic venom while pit viper venom is hematoxic.

Several nonvenomous snakes found throughout the Southeast resemble the coral snake. However, the easiest way to distinguish between the coral snake and its lookalikes is to remember the old adage, “red on yellow — kill a fellow; red on black — friend of Jack.” In other words, red bands between yellow bands denote coral snake while red bands between black bands mark the snake as one of the colorful coral snake mimics.

“All snakes will bite when threatened or surprised, but most will avoid people if possible,” Monk explained. “Pit vipers, however, tend to be more aggressive snakes than most, including the coral snake. Rattlesnakes are the only snakes equipped with a warning mechanism (rattles) that often indicates a person is in danger and getting too close to a potentially hazardous encounter. Coral snakes, like most other snakes, tend to move away when threatened to avoid contact with predators, but not always.”

Bites from any of the Southeastern venomous snakes can be deadly if not treated quickly and properly. In the unlikely event one is bitten by any of the aforementioned snakes, there are a number of usually typical symptoms he could experience. These include blurred vision, dizziness, fever, excessive sweating, fainting, rapid pulse, skin discoloration, swelling at the site of the bite, pain at site of bite, low blood pressure, numbness, nausea and vomiting, breathing difficulty and thirst. Symptom severity and number often depends on the size and species of the snake and the amount of venom the bite injects into the body.

“If you find yourself in a situation where you or someone you are with has been bitten by a venomous snake,” Monk said, “take several recommended steps to ensure you survive and make it to a hospital for the appropriate treatment.”

Following is a snakebite “To Do” list.

• Keep calm. Restrict movement as much as possible and hold the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom to vital organs.

• Remove any jewelry or other restricting and binding items from the affected area due to swelling.

• If the bite is on a limb (the most frequent snakebite site), create a loose splint to help restrict movement of the affected area.

• Clean the wound but don’t flush with water.

• Wrap the wound with compression bandages if available. Go about 4 inches above the wound, wrapping as you would a sprained ankle.

• Seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

There are also a number of “Don’ts” to consider when dealing with venomous snakebite.

• Do not become overexerted.

• Do not apply a tourniquet. The often-excessive blood-flow restriction of a tourniquet often does more harm than good.

• Do not apply a cold compress to a snake bite.

• Do not cut into the bite with a knife or other sharp object.

• Do not try to suck out the venom by mouth.

• Do not give or take any stimulants or pain medication unless instructed to do so by a doctor.

• Do not raise the site of the bite above heart level.

• Do not drink caffeine or alcohol.

Most importantly, Monk concluded, practice common-sense snakebite prevention.

“During warm months, avoid areas that snakes inhabit, such as overgrown/grassy areas, woodpiles and debris, and thick woodlands,” he said. “If encounters with these areas are unavoidable, be sure to wear appropriate clothing, like long pants, snake boots or chaps and gloves.”