North Carolinas Venomous Snakes Identification Behavior Avoidance Snake
North Carolina’s Venomous Snakes Identification, Behavior, Avoidance & Snake Bite First Aid Environmental Analysis Unit Safety Meeting June 18, 2018
Danger Noodle
Identifying Venomous Snakes Myths to dispel Elliptical pupils versus round pupils Triangular shaped head Truth: The best way to identify venomous snakes is to recognize their patterns.
Additional Facts About Venomous Snakes Most venomous Snakes of NC have a single row of scales below the cloaca (exception – Coral Snake). Nonvenomous snakes have a double row of subcaudal scales. Most venomous snakes of NC have elliptical pupils (exception – Coral Snake) All snakes have teeth, but only venomous snakes have fangs. Some are hinged and cannot be readily seen. There are six species of venomous snakes in NC.
Venoms contain a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, and various other substances with toxic and lethal properties that serves to immobilize the prey animal. Enzymes play an important role in the digestion of prey, and various other substances are responsible for important but non-lethal biological effects. Some of the Proteins in snake venom have very specific effects on various biological functions including blood coagulation, blood pressure regulation, transmission of the nervous or muscular impulse and have been developed for use as pharmacological or diagnostic tools or even useful drugs. Two major classifications of toxins found in snake venoms include NEUROTOXINS (mostly found in elapids) and HEMOTOXINS (mostly found in viperids).
Pit Vipers – Family Viperidae Copperhead Cottonmouth Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Timber Rattlesnake Pigmy Rattlesnake Heat Sensing Pits
Pit Vipers bear live young
Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix The “hourglass” markings on a brown or tan body distinguish the Copperhead from its look-alikes. Adults range from 24 to 52 inches.
Copperhead’s Nonvenomous Look-alikes “Hourglass” markings Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon)
Cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorous Vibrates tail and “gapes” the mouth when disturbed. Often confused with nonvenomous watersnakes. Also known as the “water moccasin”. Adults range from 28 - 62 inches.
Cottonmouth’s Nonvenomous Look-alikes Brown Water Snake (Nerodia taxispilota) Redbelly Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster) Banded Water Snake (Nerodia fasciata)
E. Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) Extremely Venomous! Heavy-bodied snake with diamondshaped dark brown or black blotches. Largest venomous snake in NC, Adults average 36 -72 inches. Has rattle on tail. Adults feed on rabbits, squirrels, and ground-nesting birds. Very rare in NC. State listed as “Endangered”.
The E. Diamondback Rattlesnake relies on its cryptic coloration for protection (above left). When threatened the snake is quick to react by assuming an impressive defensive posture and rattling loudly (above right). A 21 year study of the diamondback in SC has revealed many facets of the snake’s seasonal movements, habitat preferences, reproductive modes, and spatial data.
Diamondback’s Nonvenomous Look-alikes Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) Northern Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus)
Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus Adults average 36 – 68 inches. Lowland form - “Canebrake” Adults have a velvet black tail. Hibernate in dens with up to 100 snakes in mountains. Hibernation largely unknown in coastal plain. State listed as “Species of Special Concern”. “Black phase” - Mountain form
The Timber Rattlesnake’s Nonvenomous Look-alikes Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) Timber Rattlesnake (Canebrake form) Corn Snake (Elaphe guttata)
Carolina Pygmy Rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius Two color phases. Coastal plain form is reddish with dark brown blotches. Sandhills form is dusky gray colored. Tiny rattle on the tip of the tail or missing altogether. Adults average 15 – 25 inches. State listed as “Species of Special Concern”.
The Pygmy Rattlesnake’s Nonvenomous Look-alikes Carolina Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus)
Eastern Coral Snake Micrurus fulvius Extremely Venomous! Family Elapidae (cobras, etc. ) - lay eggs Diurnal species (active during the day) Eats mostly small snakes and lizards Adults average 18 - 42 inches Very rare in NC- state listed as “Endangered”
Coral Snake’s Nonvenomous Look-alikes The Coral Snake has a black nose (unlike mimics with red nose) “RED on YELLOW - kill a fellow RED on - venom lack” Northern Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea copei) Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides)
Snakebites in the United States From: North Carolina Cooperative Extension, N. C. State University http: //www. ces. ncsu. edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/copperhead. htm ~8, 000 people a year receive venomous snake bites only 9 to 15 victims (0. 2%) die more people die from wasp and bee stings most fatalities received no medical treatment or first aid North Carolina has the dubious distinction of the most venomous snake bites of any state in the U. S. *Copperheads are responsible for more venomous snake bites than any other species in N. C. *Copperhead bites are rarely fatal, but they need medical attention, are extremely painful, and may cause extensive scarring and loss of use. Many people are bitten while trying to kill or handle the snake. Don't take chances -- avoid these snakes.
Snake Bite First Aid 1. Stay calm, get safely away from the snake, and have someone call 9 -1 -1 (or the emergency number in your area). The less the victim moves the bitten site, the less likely the venom will be spread through the body and cause damage. 2. Have the victim lie down with the affected limb lower than the heart. Keep the limb immobilized. If practical, splint the limb. 3. Treat for shock and preserve body heat. 4. Remove any rings, bracelets, boots, or other restricting items from the bitten extremity. (It WILL swell. ) 5. Apply a light constricting band about 2" above and below the bite, however never place the bands on either side of a joint (such as above and below the knee or elbow). This band should be made up of wide, soft material, which could be a handkerchief or shredded clothing. The band should only be as tight as the band the nurse applies when taking a blood test. NOTE: The purpose of constricting bands is to restrict lymphatic flow, not blood, so they should not be too tight. Check pulses below the bands and readjust the bands as necessary when they tighten due to swelling. 6. Wash the bite with soap and water (if available). 7. If the victim has to walk out, sit calmly for 20 -30 minutes to let the venom localize at the site, then proceed calmly to the nearest source of help and try to avoid unnecessary exertion which will stimulate circulation of the venom. 8. Get the victim to definitive medical care for antivenin, which will provide the greatest relief from the toxic effects of the bite.
ACTIONS TO AVOID! DO NOT cut the bite. The additional tissue damage may actually increase the diffusion of the toxins throughout the body. DO NOT apply a tourniquet. Such action can result in the loss of the limb. NEVER try to suck out the venom by mouth. You can try the suction cup in a snakebite kit if it doesn't delay other needed treatment. Suctioning seldom provides any measurable advantages, however. DO NOT apply cold and/or ice packs. Recent studies indicate that application of cold or ice makes the injury much worse.
SAFETY TIPS: The Only Dangerous Snake is the one you do not see! Be observant in the field. Do Not step over a log if you cannot see what’s on the other side.
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