Snake Bite Statistics
- About 7,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. annually.
- Only 0.2% (1 out of 500) venomous snake bites result in death
- On average, 1 to 2 people in Texas die each year from venomous snake bites in
Texas.
- Roughly half of all venomous snake bites are "dry." That is, the snake does not
inject venom into the victim.
Statistics from National Ag Safety Database
Venomous Snakes in Texas
There are two types of venomous snakes found in Texas. First, pit vipers are the most
common type of venomous snakes in Texas and include the copperhead, cottonmouth and
rattlesnake. Pit vipers get their name from the infrared radiation receptors located in
a "pit" on each side of the snake's face. Additionally, pit viper pupils are vertically
elliptical and they have a single row of scales located on the underside of their tail.
The second type of venomous snake found in Texas is the coral snake. Coral snakes are
members of a group of snakes called Elapids that are characterized by having a short,
permanently erect fang located along each side of the upper-jaw. However, the coral snake
does not have to "chew" its victim to inflict a painfully venomous bite. The Texas Coral
Snake is the only member of the Elapids that is found in Texas and can easily be identified
by the red, yellow and black color bands along the snake's body. The Texas Coral Snake is
the only snake in Texas with touching red and yellow bands.
Symptoms of Envenomization by Snakes
There are many biological and environmental factors that determine the quantity and
toxicity of an individuals snake's venom. People also react differently (immunologically)
to snake venom. It is difficult to identify a set of standard symptoms for snake bite
victims because of these variations. Listed below are some symptoms that many victims of
snake bites share, but remember that not every victim will have all of these symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Snake Bite
- blurred vision
- convulsions
- dizziness
- excessive sweating
- fainting
- fang marks
- fever
- increased salivation
- localized pain and burning
- muscle contractions
- muscle incoordination
- nausea and vomiting
- numbness and tingling
- rapid pulse rate
- skin discoloration
- swelling in the bite area
- thirst
- tissue death
- weakness
First Aid for Snake Bite Victims
If someone has been bitten by a venomous snake, it is important to seek medical
attention promptly. Call 9-1-1 or the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-POISON-1
(1-800-764-7661) for information about which medical centers in your area have the
appropriate antivenom. If possible call ahead to the medical center so the antivenom
can be ready when the victim arrives.
It is also important to identify the kind of snake that bit the victim. Even taking a dead
snake with you to the medical center is appropriate if it can be done without further risk
or injury. Extreme caution should be used when bringing in a snake because even though the
snake may be dead, its reflexes may still allow the snake to bite.
What to do for snake bite victims.
- Keep calm.
- Suck or squeeze as much venom as possible directly from the wound. Venom is a protein
and can be taken orally with no ill effects. (DO NOT make cuts over the snake bite).
- Wash the bite area with soap and water if possible.
- Limit movement of the bitten limb (DO NOT apply tourniquet or other restriction
devices).
- Keep the bitten limb below the heart.
- Remove jewelry or constricting clothing before any swelling begins.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Get a tetanus shoot.
What NOT to do for Snake Bite Victims
- Do not make cuts over the snake bite. This often leads to more tissue trauma
and damage.
- Do not apply a tourniquet or other constricting device.
- Do not apply a cold pack or ice to the snake bite.
- Do not apply an electrical shock to the snake bite.
- Do not take pain reliever or other medications unless instructed to do so by a
physician.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
- Do not administer antivenom in the field. Treatment for snake bites is best
conducted in an appropriate medical facility.
Snake Bite Prevention
- Although most snakes in Texas are not venomous, avoid handling or playing with snakes
unless you have been properly trained.
- Keep landscape or campsite well manicured.
- Wear long pants and boots when in areas known to have snakes.
- Watch where you step and place your hands when outdoors. Do not place them in areas
where snakes may be resting unless you can see it is safe.
More Information
- http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/adv/kidspage/snakes/psnakes.htm
- http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/news/magazine/snakebit.htm
- http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/nature/wild/reptiles/txserpen.htm
- http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nasd/docs/as31600.html
- http://www.kingsnake.com/venom/
© 2000 Texas Department of Health.
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