A snake bite is an injury caused by the bite of a snake typically an injection of venom into the body. The vast majority of snake bites occur when people handle snakes or attempt to kill them. In the United States approximately 7000 to 8000 people are bitten by snakes each year with about 1000 of those bites resulting in serious injury or death.
There are two main types of snake venom: neurotoxic and cytotoxic. Neurotoxic venom affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis while cytotoxic venom damages tissue and can lead to tissue necrosis ( death).
Most snake bites in the United States are not fatal but bites from certain species of snakes such as the rattlesnake copperhead and cottonmouth can be dangerous and even life-threatening. If you are bitten by a snake it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
There are a few things you can do to prevent snake bites:
-Avoid handling snakes even if they are dead.
-Wear proper footwear and long pants when hiking or walking in areas where snakes are known to live.
-Never attempt to kill a snake.
-If you see a snake give it space and do not try to catch it.
If you or someone you are with is bitten by a snake call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. DO NOT try to capture the snake or cut the wound with a knife. These things can make the situation worse.
Why are some snakes venomous?
Answer: Venomous snakes have two long sharp fangs in the front of their mouths that they use to inject venom into their prey.
What is the difference between a venomous snake and a poisonous snake?
Answer: A venomous snake has two long sharp fangs in the front of their mouths that they use to inject venom into their prey.
A poisonous snake does not have these fangs and instead releases their poison through their skin.
What are the symptoms of a snake bite?
Answer: Symptoms of a snake bite can include swelling redness pain tingling and numbness at the site of the bite.
In more serious cases a person may experience nausea vomiting dizziness difficulty breathing and paralysis.
What should you do if you are bitten by a snake?
Answer: If you are bitten by a snake it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If possible try to identify the type of snake that bit you and bring a picture or the dead snake with you to the hospital.
How long does it take for symptoms of a snake bite to appear?
Answer: Symptoms of a snake bite can appear very quickly sometimes within minutes or may take several hours to appear.
Can a snake bite be fatal?
Answer: Yes a snake bite can be fatal if the venom is not treated quickly.
Each year there are an estimated 7000 to 8000 deaths from snake bites worldwide.
How many times can a snake bite in one day?
Answer: A snake can strike multiple times in a single day but will usually only bite once per strike.
How far can a snake strike?
Answer: A snake can strike up to one-third of their body length.
What is the fastest snake in the world?
Answer: The black mamba is the fastest snake in the world capable of reaching speeds of up to 12 miles per hour.
How do snakes drink?
Answer: Snakes use their long forked tongues to collect water from the ground and then bring it back into their mouths.
What do snakes eat?
Answer: Snakes are carnivores and eat a variety of animals including rodents reptiles birds and other small mammals.
How long can a snake go without food?
Answer: Snakes can go for long periods of time without food sometimes up to a year.
What is the largest snake in the world?
Answer: The anaconda is the largest snake in the world reaching lengths of up to 30 feet.
What is the smallest snake in the world?
Answer: The threadsnake is the smallest snake in the world reaching lengths of just 4 inches.
What is the most venomous snake in the world?
Answer: The inland taipan is the most venomous snake in the world.
