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SnakebiteIt has been estimated that there are approximately 16,000 snakebites per year in the United States, with half that number being venomous snakebites. Deaths due to snakebite are between 50 and 100 people yearly. North Carolina has the highest incidence of hospital admissions for venomous snakebite in the 48 contiguous states. Other states with high incidence (10 or more hospitalizations per year) of venomous snakebite include: Arkansas, Texas, Georgia, West Virginia, Mississippi, and Louisiana. South Carolina, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Florida are closely approaching these figures. Identification of the type of snake is critical for treatment. The snake, dead or alive, is most helpful for positive identification. If this is not feasible, a description, as accurate as possible, must suffice. NEVER handle dead snakes as the BITING REFLEX can still be present. IT VIPERS and CORAL SNAKES are the 2 groups that cause the most concern in the United States. PIT VIPER GROUP1. COPPERHEADS 2. COTTONMOUTHS 3. RATTLESNAKES 4. PYGMY RATTLER There are several identifying characteristics which separate the pit viper group from that of harmless snakes. PIT VIPER CHARACTERISTICS1. An INDENTATION ("pit") halfway between the snake's eyes and nostrils. This is a thermoreceptor organ, which aids the reptile in stalking warm-blooded prey. 2. HOLLOW RETRACTABLE FANGS through which the venom is injected. 3. VERTICAL PUPILS as opposed to the round pupils of harmless snakes. 4. ARROW-HEAD SHAPED HEADS versus the round, or egg-shaped heads found in the harmless group. CORAL SNAKESThere are only 2 species in the United States. They are small snakes with bright RED, YELLOW, and BLACK rings. The pattern that indicates a venomous snake can be remembered by the old adage : "RED ON YELLOW KILLS A FELLOW - RED ON BLACK, VENOM LACKS". These snakes are more prevalent in the southeast, particularly in Florida. All snakebites of questionable type require immediate emergency medical care. HELPFUL POINTS1. In the majority of cases, the absence of fang marks means envenomation has not occurred.
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