The late Spring has actually brought the Sooner State warmer wetter weather condition, and because snakes are cold-blooded animals, they have actually come out of hibernation and are appearing in yards, camping sites and fishing locations.
According to The Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information (OCPDI), around 300 snake bites are reported yearly in Oklahoma. The good news is, nevertheless, that out of the approximately 47 types of snakes native to Oklahoma, just 7 are poisonous.
Venomous snakes have long, hollow, retractable fangs that serve as hyperemic needles to inject their contaminant which can be deadly if correct medical attention is not received.
There are some methods to figure out if a snake in Oklahoma is poisonous:
- Typically the head is triangular or diamond-shaped.
- Venomous snakes have heat-sensing pits on each side of the head in between the eyes and nostrils.
- If the students of the eyes are vertical (like a cat), the snake is probably poisonous.
According to Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension wildlife expert, Dwayne Elmore, “Snakes, both venomous and nonvenomous, cause great anxiety in many people and are considered cold-blooded killers. They are cold-blooded, of course, but unless you are a rodent, frog, insect or earthworm, you have little to fear.”
He says that many unsafe snakes are typically docile. “Many bites occur as a result of someone harassing the snake or putting their hands under objects without looking first.”
There are 3 kinds of poisonous snakes in Oklahoma:
Cottonmouth, likewise called Water Moccasin -This snake is big and has a distinguishing black mark, ranging from the corner of its mouth to its eye. It is typically more than 31 inches in overall length. Some have actually been reported to be 74 inches long, and weigh as much as 10 pounds. The Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin can likewise be recognized by its white flesh inside its mouth.
It is common in the Eastern half of Oklahoma. The Cottonmouth is usually discovered in marsh-like environments, specifically in slow-moving, shallow streams and lakes.
Rattlesnakes make up the bulk of poisonous snakes in Oklahoma and can be easily recognized by the rattlers on their tails, which they quickly shake or “vibrate” when threatened. There are 5 types of rattlesnakes discovered in Oklahoma: Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, Western Pygmy Rattlesnakes, Prairie Rattlesnakes, Western Massasauga Rattlesnakes, and Timber Rattlesnakes.
They can be discovered in forests, forests, grassy field wetlands, swamps, bogs, and meadows in addition to desert-like surface and rocky environments.
Copperhead- This poisonous snake can be recognized by light brown or reddish-brown or copper color with dark brown hourglass or dumbbell-shaped markings. Copperheads have a significant girth and can reach lengths as much as 3 feet.
They are mostly discovered in deciduous forests and blended forests.
Because poisonous snakes can trigger severe disease, injury, or death it is best to prevent them and if in doubt, don’t attempt to get closer to figure out if a snake is poisonous, simply presume all snakes you see threaten and avoid.
Ways to prevent snakes
Look prior to you grab anything in woody locations.
If you remain in a location where you understand there are snakes, you ought to use tear high boots and long trousers
You ought to constantly keep a sharp eye out for possible snakes, and understand where you step, especially in high turf, rocky surface, and forest or woody locations.
When fishing, boating, or swimming, watch for anything you discover swimming in the water.
Try to walk on courses that have no particles
You can decrease your opportunities of experiencing a snake around your home by eliminating high turf, brush stacks, and any scrap stacked up in your lawn.
You ought to seal any fractures in structures, windows, doors, and around a/c to avoid the slithery animals from entering your home.
Things to do if you are bitten by a snake:
The very first thing to bear in mind is to remain calm to keep the heart rate down, and keep the bite website listed below heart level. Do not attempt to capture the snake, and above all, NEVER effort to draw out the venom.
The following is very first help procedure for snake bites supplied by the CDC:
“Seek medical attention as quickly as possible (dial 911 or call regional Emergency Medical Services. Antivenom is the treatment for severe snake envenomation. The quicker antivenom can be begun, the quicker permanent damage from venom can be stopped.
Driving oneself to the medical facility is not encouraged since individuals with snake bites can end up being lightheaded or lose consciousness.
Take a photo of the snake from a safe range if possible. Identifying the snake can aid with the treatment of the snakebite.
Apply emergency treatment while awaiting EMS staff to get you to the medical facility.
Lay or take a seat with the bite in a neutral position of convenience.
Remove rings and watches prior to swelling starts.
Wash the bite with soap and water.
Cover the bite with a tidy, dry dressing.
Mark the leading edge of tenderness/swelling on the skin and compose the time together with it.”
Hopefully, this details will keep you safe while you delight in the outdoors.
