Some researchers believe the extensive human worry of snakes go back to our remote past — when our primate predecessors were residing in trees to leave predators. The just thing that might quickly eliminate you up there was a snake. Here and now, nevertheless, dangerous snakes are unusual according to Alex Wehrung at the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
“There are 30 species of snakes that live in Virginia,” he says. “Out of all of those only three are venomous – rattlesnakes, cotton mouths and copperheads. Rattlesnakes tend to live in the mountainous areas of the state, including the Shenandoah Valley. Cottonmouths are found largely in aquatic environments, so rivers, creeks, streams and lakes, whereas copperheads are easily the most widely distributed species.
And the center’s president, Ed Clark, says none of Virginia’s snakes are likely to inflict a fatal bite.
”Around the world there are snakes that they state if you’re bitten by them go being in the shade, since there’s no factor to pass away in the sun, however the fact is that our snakes are ruled out lethal snakes. They can trigger rather an injury. It can hurt like insane. It can really do nerve and tissue damage, however the variety of individuals who pass away by snake bite is simply small compared, for instance, to the variety of individuals who pass away from bee stings or falling in their bath tub for that matter.”
Dr. Chris Hostege, who heads the Blue Ridge Poison Center, includes that where you are bitten is a consider how harming a snake bite can be.
“We’ve had, for example, a teenager who was handling a snake, which he shouldn’t have been doing. He kind of wrapped it around his neck, showing his friends he was cool, and then got bitten in the neck.”
And, he says, what you do after being bitten can make matters worse.
“Cutting or sucking or putting tourniquets on are all dangerous things to do, and none of them help.”
Instead, he encourages a fast journey to an emergency clinic for a shot of anti-venom that can keep the toxin from doing additional damage.
Better yet, prevent contact with snakes in the top place. Again, the Wildlife Center’s Alex Wehrung.
“Most of the reported bites occur from accidental or surprise encounters in concealed spaces – brush piles, stacks of firewood, rock piles, crevices beneath porches. Just be aware of your surroundings. Don’t stick your hands in places that you can’t see. If you’re hiking on a trail be very aware of where you’re placing your feet.”
Holstege keeps in mind that copperheads and cottonmouths – likewise called water moccasins – are typically discovered at the base of trees, on the banks of rivers, lakes or streams.
“And when you go to grab the roots, for example if you are in a canoe, you want to make sure where you’re putting your hand there is not a snake there.”
The professionals likewise concur it’s reckless to walk around barefoot. Wear boots if you’re treking, and bring a flashlight in the evening. Don’t store food in your garage where it can bring in rodents which, in turn, bring in snakes, and Wehrung recommends discovering to determine the dangerous kinds.
“Venomous snakes tend to have triangular-shaped heads to accommodate the venom glands behind their eyes. Non-venomous snakes have round pupils. Venomous snakes have pupils that look like a cat’s eye – that elliptical shape.”
Whatever it appears like, bear in mind that in Virginia it’s unlawful to eliminate a snake. Again, Ed Clark.
“It is not legal to kill them unless they present an imminent danger to human health or safety or to your family and pets.”
The law likewise disallows you from moving a snake from your property, however, the Wildlife Center says you can employ somebody who’s certified to record animals.
This report, offered by Virginia Public Radio, was enabled with assistance from the Virginia Education Association.
