Snake bites in NC are on the rise—here’s how to protect yourself.
The snakes are slithering in North Carolina. Almost 257 snake bites were recorded in the first six months of 2024 (!), with North Carolina Poison Control already predicting 2024 to be the busiest year for bites overall, breaking the 2020 record of 733. Summer is prime season for NC’s venomous snakes—copperheads, cottonmouths, Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, timber rattlesnakes, pigmy rattlesnakes, Eastern coral snakes—and the spike in snake bites can be attributed to the extreme heat, as the limbless reptiles seek food and water resources in periods of droughts.
With that said, it’s time to slither into action and equip yourself with the know-hows of identifying venomous snakes, handling bites and staying one step ahead of these sneaky serpents. Here, some pro tips to keep you ssssafe during the summer.
How to Identify Venomous Snakes
- When it comes to spotting copperheads, look out for light brown to reddish-brown scales and those telltale hourglass markings.
- Keep an eye out for triangular heads and vertical pupils—the significant features of venomous snakes.
- Rattlesnakes boast a segmented rattle on their tails and a chunky body sporting diamond-shaped bling.
- Cottonmouths, aka water moccasins, are typically dark-colored with a white-lined mouth that they flash when feeling sassy.
- For coral snakes, remember the golden rule: “Red touches yellow, kill a fellow; red touches black, friend of Jack.” It can be a real lifesaver!
What to Do If You Get Bit
- If a snake decides to give you a love bite, first things first: Keep calm and dial emergency services.
- Keep the affected limb still and low (below the heart) to help slow the venom’s spread.
- Strip off any tight clothing or jewelry near the bite site as the swelling kicks in.
- No ice, no tourniquet—those are a snakebite’s worst enemies. Just let the professionals handle it.
- Resist the urge to play doctor—do not try sucking out venom or playing with knives near the wound.
When and Where Venomous Snakes Are Most Prevalent
- Venomous snakes like to hang near water, rocks and forests.
- Be extra cautious around tall grass, debris piles and any place a sneaky snake could be hiding. They’re masters of disguise!
- Fun fact: Babies are not more venomous than their elders, they just pack a smaller punch.
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