The mere prospect of a snake bite makes your heart race, but before you panic and channel your inner cowboy, abandon the concept of sucking out the poison. If you are unfortunate enough to cross paths with a slithery neighbor, knowing what to do if you are bitten by a snake can save a life, potentially your own.

Not all snakes are poisonous, and most snake bites in the United States do not result in death. However, certain bites can cause significant injury or even death if not treated promptly. Let’s break it down!

venomous snakes

According to the Mayo Clinic, only around 15% of the hundreds of snake species worldwide are poisonous, with that figure rising slightly to roughly 20% in the United States.

North America has the following venomous snakes:

Rattlesnakes

Copperheads

Cottonmouths

Coral Snakes

Most poisonous snakes in the United States are pit vipers, which are distinguished by their triangular heads, slit-shaped pupils, heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils, and, of course, fangs. The coral snake defies convention with its round eyes, cigar-shaped head, and vibrant red, yellow, and black bands.

Snakebite Symptoms

Most snakes hit the upper body (arms, wrists, or hands), generally because someone went too near or didn’t see the snake in time.

nonvenomous snake bite

If you’ve ever encountered a nonvenomous snake, consider yourself lucky. These bites, while very painful, are generally more bark than bite. Anticipate localized discomfort, scratches or puncture marks, and possibly some swelling or redness at the bite site. This is nature’s way of warning you.

venomous snake bite

However, the situation quickly escalates when a deadly snake bites you. The pain is usually instantaneous and acute, spreading from the bite and worsening with time. According to the Mayo Clinic, swelling and bruising are common and not limited to the bite area. Your body may react with symptoms such as nausea, hard breathing, weakness, or an unexpected metallic taste in your mouth.

Some snakes, such as the coral snake, deliver a different type of venom entirely. Instead of targeting tissue, their toxins attack the neurological system, resulting in drooping eyelids, tingling in the fingers or toes, difficulties swallowing, and muscular weakness. These symptoms aren’t simply strange; they’re deadly and indicate the need for immediate attention.

Dry bite.

A dry bite occurs when a snake sinks its teeth into the flesh without injecting venom.

Knowing the distinction between bite types and detecting symptoms early can make a significant impact.

“Most deaths from venomous snake bites occur because the person had an allergic reaction to the venom or is in poor health, or because too much time passed before he or she received medical care,” advises the American Red Cross.

Here are the steps to take if you get bitten by a snake:

1. Remain cool: It’s easier said than done, but remaining calm helps to lower your pulse rate, which can limit the spread of venom.

2. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room as soon and securely as possible. Prompt medical treatment saves lives.

3. Keep the bite place calm and below heart level: Movement increases venom circulation. If feasible, immobilize the bitten limb with a splint or sling, keeping it lower than your heart.

4. Remove tight clothes and jewelry: Swelling can occur quickly. Remove any jewelry, watches, or tight clothes around the bite site to prevent circulation problems.

5. Attempt to identify the snake: If safe, snap a photo of the snake or recall its color and shape. This can assist clinicians in selecting the appropriate antivenom.

What Not to Do

Knowing what not to do after a snake bite is equally as important as knowing what to do.

Do not

Try sucking out the poison; that’s Hollywood, not medical.

You’ll just make matters worse by cutting the wound.

Apply ice or a tourniquet; both can cause tissue damage.

Attempt to capture or kill the snake—do not play hero and try to catch the snake.

Snake bites are frightening, but if you take the proper precautions, you will greatly boost your chances of a complete recovery. Remember that snakes are not out to get you. Most would prefer to crawl away than engage in a battle. However, if a snake bites you, you will know exactly what to do.

Please share this tale with your friends so that they know what to do if bitten by a snake!