Florida vs. Texas: Which State Has More Venomous Snakes?

Florida and Texas are 2 southern states with the Gulf of Mexico in between them. Both states share numerous harmful animals, consisting of alligators and different poisonous snakes. In a match in between Florida vs. Texas: which state has more poisonous snakes? Discover how the 2 states compare, learn which poisonous snakes provide the most bites in each area, and learn the number of individuals are bitten by poisonous snakes every year.

Specifically, this list will concentrate on the number of types of poisonous snakes are discovered in each state instead of a quote of the population of the snakes in each location.

Florida vs. Texas: Which State Has More Venomous Snakes?

Texas has more poisonous snakes than Florida. The state of Texas has 15 types of poisonous snakes and an overall of about 96 types of snakes living within its border. Meanwhile, Florida just has 6 types of poisonous snakes and 44 overall types of snakes living within its borders. Texas’ enormous size relative to Florida can represent the inconsistency in the variety of poisonous snake types.

Consider the following chart of all the poisonous snakes that reside in each state:

Texas has even more poisonous snakes than Florida. So, that settles the Florida vs. Texas argument on that front. Now, let us have a look at how each state fares with snake safety.

How Many Venomous Snakebites Occur in the United States?

People that reside in locations where poisonous snakes prevail typically learn how to prevent negative encounters with them. That consists of finding out how to acknowledge poisonous snakes, preventing them when possible, and identifying whether the snake needs to be eliminated from the location.

Still, individuals cannot prevent all poisonous snake encounters. That’s specifically real when it comes to well-camouflaged snakes that they unexpectedly satisfy. Also, some individuals attempt to get and manage snakes without regard for their safety. As an outcome, snake bites take place in both Florida and Texas in addition to numerous other states.

Venomous snakes bite about 7,000 individuals each year throughout the United States. About half of those bites are dry, indicating the snake does not inject any venom into its victim. They simply wish to alert the individual to withdraw and save their venom for their food sources.

Florida averages about 300 poisonous snakebites each year. However, deaths in Florida are really uncommon, balancing less than one casualty each year. Texas had about 372 poisonous snake bites in the half of 2020, however the overall number for that year is unidentified. Nevertheless, Texas averages more snakebites than Florida. An average of 1 to 2 individuals pass away from poisonous snake bites in Texas each year.

Also, poisonous snakes bite around 1,300 kids in the United States each year, and about a quarter of those bites take place in Florida and Texas.

A range of aspects consisting of dry bites and the accessibility of medical treatments in the area avoid many people from passing away as an outcome of snake bites. Although deaths are low, about 10% to 44% of individuals bitten by rattlesnakes will suffer some form of irreversible special needs.

What Venomous Snakes Are Responsible for Most Snake Bites in Each State?

We’ve taken a look at Florida vs. Texas for which state has more poisonous bites. Which snakes trigger the most poisonous bites in the state, though?

In Texas, two of the snakes that deliver the most frequent poisonous bites are the western diamondback rattlesnake along with the eastern copperhead. Western diamondback rattlesnakes are widespread and numerous in the state, so they’re often encountered. Rattlesnake bites occur when people encounter the reptiles while they’re basking or trying to hide. Some people also mishandle them by picking them up or bothering them.

Eastern copperheads are another venomous snake that represents a significant number of bites in Texas. These snakes are hard to see and rely on their camouflage to blend in rather than a rattling defensive posture. Someone could step on one of these snakes and barely notice them until they strike. These snakes are not aggressive toward humans. They will not chase someone down to provide a bite.

The pygmy rattlesnake delivers the most poisonous bites of any snake in Florida. However, this snake has never caused a fatality in Florida. They usually only bite individuals when they are stepped upon or otherwise bothered by individuals.  

What You Should Do If Bitten by a Venomous Snake

A poisonous snake bite requires immediate medical attention. Fast treatments can help reduce negative outcomes in humans. So, if a venomous snake bites you, follow these steps:

1. Call emergency medical services by dialing 911 or the local emergency number.
2. Stay calm. Do not attempt to apply a tourniquet, suck out the venom, trap the snake, or dull the pain on your own.
3. Attempt to take a picture of the snake from a safe distance if possible or identify the snake.
4. Perform basic first aid while waiting for emergency medical services such as:
   • Sit down or lie down while keeping the bite area comfortable.
   • Wash the bite area using soap and water.
   • Use a marker to mark the edge of the area where you have swelling or tenderness and note the time.
   • Try to cover the bite with a clean bandage.
   • Take off any jewelry from the affected area.

Following these steps can ensure that you get quick, effective service and suffer as few side effects of the bite as possible. Venomous snake bites are a serious medical emergency that can result in death. An individual should never try to use folk remedies to treat these serious bites.

Between Florida vs. Texas, the latter has far more venomous snake species. People that live in both states need to be aware of the snakes that are common in their area. Learning how to safely coexist with these reptiles is necessary and might save one’s life.

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