How to Assess Snakebites

Most snakes are not poisonous and only bite if provoked. Even when venomous snakes do bite, they often don't inject venom.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Evacuation Plan
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• Evacuation Insurance

1. Find out in advance if the wilderness area you plan to visit is likely to be populated by venomous snakes, and if so, which kind.
2. Learn to identify rattlesnakes if you are in their habitat. Rattlesnakes usually measure up to 6 feet in length and have earth-toned patterns on their backs, thick bodies, triangular heads, pits between their eyes and nostrils, and rattles on their tails.
3. Look for the following signs and symptoms that a pit viper has injected venom into a bite: pain at the site of the bite, severe swelling and bruising at the bite, tingling, impaired vision, fever, chills, a metallic taste in the mouth, or muscle spasms.
4. Learn to identify coral snakes if you are in their habitat. Coral snakes are small, thin, and have adjacent red and yellow stripes.
5. Look for the following signs and symptoms that a coral snake has injected venom into a bite: burning at the site of the bite followed by numbness or tingling, nausea, sleepiness, weakness, rapid heart rate, or rapid respiratory rate.
6. Treat the bite appropriately (See "Treat Snakebites in the Wilderness.")
7. Evacuate even if you suspect a venomous snake did not inject venom into the bite.

Tips & Warnings

• There are two kinds of poisonous snakes in the United States: pit vipers (copperheads, cottonmouths and rattlesnakes) and coral snakes.
• Rattlesnakes don't always give a warning before they strike. Some people believe the rattles are to scare off hoofed animals that can step on the snakes, not to warn humans of the snake's presence.
• To help distinguish a coral snake from the nonpoisonous king snake, which has red and black stripes, remember this rhyme: "red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, venom lack."
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.