It’s snakebite season and the Georgia Poison Center (GPC) is warning people to watch their step and pay close attention while enjoying outdoor activities. As temperatures increase snakes become more active. 

Of the 46 species of snakes known in Georgia, only six species are venomous: Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Timber/Canebrake Rattlesnake, Pigmy Rattlesnake and Eastern Coral Snake.  Snakes are usually not aggressive and will only bite when provoked. These bites occur when the snake is frightened and is forced to react in self-defense. While the majority of poisonous snake bites are not fatal, they can cause major complications. If you are bitten by a snake we urge you to call us immediately as there are a number of dos and don’ts in regards to treatment.

It is estimated that 7,000 – 8,000 people per year are bitten by venomous snakes. The GPC receives hundreds of phone calls concerning snakebites every year. Throughout the years we have seen a considerable increase in snakebites with 2016 being our highest with 466 snakebite calls. Out of those 466 nearly 20% were treated with antidote, most for Copperhead bites.

How to prevent a snakebite:

• Avoid places where snakes may live
• Watch where you step
• Never pick up a snake
• Wear appropriate attire
• If you see a snake, stay away

DO’s:

• Keep still and stay calm
• Remove all jewelry and tight clothing
• Note the color and shape of the snake and what time the bite happened
• Wash the bite with soap and water and cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing
• Call the GPC at 1-800-222-1222

DON’Ts:

• DO NOT pick up the snake or try to trap it
• DO NOT apply a tourniquest or attempt to restrict blookd blow to the affected area
• DO NOT cut the wound
• DO NOT attempt to suck out the venom
• DO NOT apply heat, cold, electricity or any substance to the bite
• DO NOT drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages
• DO NOT take any drugs or medicines

Snakebite Safety Tips:

Snakebites in the news:

• 11Alive – What you need to know about snakes in Georgia
• 13WMAZ  – Watch where you step! Snakebites on the rise
• AOL – Reason snake bites are currently on the rise in these states
• CBS46 – Snake bites up 60% in state of Georgia
• Cherokee Tribune – Snakes taking a bite out of summer
• First Coast News – Why it’s not a good time to be scare of snakes in Georgia
• FOX5 – Copperhead snake bites on the rise in Georgia
• FOX28 Savannah – Snake bites on the rise in Georgia
• Gainesville Times – Number of snake bites rising in North Georgia
• House Beautiful – Georgia and South Carolina Are Reporting Significant Spikes in Snake Bites
• HowStuffWorks – Why snakebite antivenom is so astronomically expensive
• Long Room – Snakebites on increase in Georgia in 2017
• The Atlanta Journal Constitution – How can you protect your pet from snakebite in Georgia?
• The Daily Tribune – An unusually mild spring means an abundance of snakes
• WABE 90.1 Atlanta’s NPR – Increase in Snake Bites
• WESH – Snake bites on the rise in Georgia
• WJBF-TV ABC 6 – Snake attack numbers up in Georgia
• WSBTV – Snake bites in Georgia up 50 percent this year
• WTOC – Snake bites up 60% in state of Georgia
• WTVY-TV – Snake bites began early in 2017; copperheads posing threat in Georgia