What happens if I step on a snake?

If you step on a snake or are very close to a Puff adder then move away quickly. If the snake stays slithering on the ground it will likely move away and not strike. If the snake rears up like a cobra and flattens its neck to form a hood then it is aggressive and is likely to strike and you need to act with caution.

What to do if you come across a copperhead?

Apply first aid if you cannot get the person to the hospital right away.

1. Lay or sit the person down with the bite below the level of the heart.
2. Tell him/her to stay calm and still.
3. Wash the wound with warm soapy water immediately.
4. Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.

How far can copperheads strike?

In most cases, a snake can strike up to a distance between 1/3 to 1/2 of its body length. For example, if the snake is four feet in length, its strike can likely reach no more than two feet. When rattlesnakes feel threatened, they will rattle their tails to make noise.

How bad does a copperhead bite hurt?

These bites are usually very painful, but it’s extremely rare for a human to die from the bite. The most severe consequence of a copperhead bite is temporary tissue damage at the site of the snakebite.

How poisonous is a copperhead?

The North American copperhead is a common species of venomous snake found in the eastern and central United States. Luckily, their venom is not among the most potent, and bites are rarely deadly; children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people are most at risk.

Why do copperhead snakes have such low fatalities?

The main cause of the low fatality rate with copperhead bites is that copperhead snakes often use a “warning bite” when agitated, threated or stepped on. This initial bite contains very little venom.

What to do when you see a copperhead snake?

The best thing to do when you see a copperhead is to leave it alone. Avoid trying to relocate a copperhead snake as it will bite you and it will always try to return to its home base, such as your yard. Who Is Most At Risk from a Copperhead Bite?

What happens if a copperhead bites you?

However, the fatality rate from copperhead bites is extremely low. Only 0.01\% of people who are bitten by copperhead snakes actually die. When a snake bites into the skin, it will cause serious damage to the tissue in that area. This increases one’s risk of a severe secondary infection.

How to keep Copperheads away from your property?

Setting up a barrier or a snake fence is another great way to keep away copperheads from your property. Snake fencing is available online at stores like Amazon.