How to survive a deadly snake bite from a snake in North America is covered in this short article. There is a list of the snakes that are venomous in the US as well.
For people not in the know – and very little do – there are about 8000 recorded snake bites per year. While that seems large, it’s actually quite reassuring since only between one and five deaths actually occur. Far, far less than traffic accidents, or pedestrians killed for not paying attention.
But that’s the jist of it all, really: paying attention. In North America, there are over 20 different snakes that are venomous. Really, there’s no reason anybody should handle any snake. It defies logic. But there are people that do, so first: recognize what kinds there are, and the 4 meanest here in North America.
The coral snake, which can be identified by the red, black and yellow stripes. Of course, most people recognize the rattlesnake. Cottonmouth snakes are usually found around swamps, and the copperhead can almost anywhere.
If one is camping: do your research. Learn what areas have these snakes present. If you see one, maintain distance. By distance, get as far and as fast as possible. A rattlesnake can strike in an instant, so trying to use a stick or stone for protection doesn’t help.
If a person is bitten, the best thing to do is first call emergency services and try to get a picture of the snake. Don’t make too many movements, and try to to avoid painkillers or raising the wound above the heart. While snake bite kits are sold, there’s concern that people will use this to try and mitigate a snake bite for financial reasons.
The best thing to do: know the territory. If snakes are in the area, boots are always a good thing. And do what the military does if camping: always check before putting them on. Check sleeping bags and surrounding areas.
List of Top 10 Deadly Snakes:
Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) …
Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) …
Black diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) …
Tiger rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris) …
Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) …
Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) …
Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)
Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)
Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus)
A little bit of prevention is worth it.
Click here to read about how to survive a deadly snake bite:
http://www.sniffoutdoors.com/ultimate-deadly-snake-guide/
