Do you know what to do if you suffer a snake bite?

Snake!
A few weeks back, my youngest son said look at that snake in my friend’s yard!  Most people, run, scream, grab the hoe or just hide.  Me, I went to investigage.  Upon closer inspection, it was about a 4′ black snake.  I figured the best thing for me to do was relocate the snake to keep him from the dreaded death by garden hoe.  At first the snake really wanted to bite me.

I’ve been catching non-poisonous snakes since I was in 4th grade, much to the chagrin of my bus driver and my mother.  I only tried to take a baby black snake for show and tell!  Now, to explain.  My father started teaching me about snakes when I was very young.  I didn’t normally just pick up snakes without adult supervison except that one time!  Now, I constantly get calls in spring and summer about identifying snakes or removing them.  I do not mind at all, unless they are poisonous.  Those I leave to the professionals.

Living in the heart of the Blue Ridge, the copperhead is are most common poisonous snake.  They are very active right now and numerous snake bite stories are making headlines.  Here are some tips to help prevent bites and actions to take if you do suffer a snake bite!

“Snakes only bite to defend themselves as a last resort. When threatened, they prefer to escape or to remain still, blending in with their surroundings. But if they decide to bite, they can move lightning-fast.”

“According to Dr. Christopher Holstege, medical director of the poison center, many snake bites happen when the victim is taunting or trying to catch or kill the snake.”

Continue Reading