07/28/2025
Reposting a very wise post of mine from 2022 that still applies.
Well as we head into Spring, we head into outdoor activities. That means encountering Mr No Neck (snakes). We are around them more than you know as they avoid us most of the time. They bite mostly when they feel threatened or cornered.
The identity rules are not gospel but rather a list of usual findings. The non poisonous varieties are known for round eyes, lack of nasal pits, lack of a broad, triangular head, but I can give you examples of snakes that do not fit these "rules". The best thing to do is avoid them altogether. The vast majority of snake bites involve young men and alcohol is usually related. Hmmmmm.
Anyhow, the reason for this post is to reassure anyone that is bitten. First, don't panic. Yeah, right. A large number of bites are "dry bites" where the snake bites but does not inject venom. This was a defensive and intended event. Of those that are envenomated, almost never does it end in death. DO NOT apply a restrictive band or tournaquet. DO NOT cut the bite or "suck the venom out". Remove yourself from the area calmly and seek medical care. MOST IMPORTANTLY, we medical providers DO NOT need the snake for identification. In Georgia, the venomous snakes are divided into crotalids, or pit vipers, and elapids, or coral snake.
ALL CROTALIDS get the same antivenom so for medical treatment, we only need to know if it was the pretty coral snake or not. Yes or no. "Red touches yellow, kill a fellow (coral snake). Red touches black, venom lack." That rhyme is used to identify the coral snake versus the king snake (nonvenomous). None of the copperheads, water moccasins, rattlesnakes are in that color wheel.
So lets keep it simple. In the outdoors, walk with a long stick that you can lead into sketchy difficult to see areas. Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet (great rule here). Avoid alcohol use in high risk areas of the underbrush (alcohol seems to make the young male think he is the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin). If bitten, leave the area and seek medical care. Most bites dont need antivenom but that has to be determined later...
And lastly, dont bring me the severed head, mangled body, or selfie with the snake. Just tell me of it was a coral snake or not and I will do the rest.
Now go enjoy the outdoors God gave you.
