Venomous snakes found in the United States include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins, and coral snakes. A venomous bite is called an “envenomation.” Although death from venomous snake bites is rare, a worker with a severe envenomation or allergy to snake venom can die from a venomous bite. Each year, an estimated 7,000–8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States, and about 5 of those people die. The number of deaths would be much higher if people did not seek medical care.

Workers are far more likely to suffer long-term injuries from snake bites than to die from them. For those bitten by rattlesnakes, 10–44 percent will have lasting injuries. An example of a disability or permanent injury is the ability to use a finger or losing part or all of it.

Employers should train their workers about their risk of exposure to venomous snakes, how workers can prevent and protect themselves from snake bites, and what they should do if they are bitten.

Rattlesnakes are the largest venomous snakes in the United States, and many species live in U.S. habitats. Whether coiled or stretched out, they can quickly and accurately strike one-third or more of their body length from any position.

Rattlesnakes may use their rattles as a warning when they feel threatened, although they do not always rattle before biting. They may be found sunning themselves near logs, boulders, or open areas.

Rattlesnakes live in many habitats where people work, including in the mountains, prairies, deserts, and beaches. Antivenom is recommended for the treatment of signs of progressive envenomation (e.g., worsening of local tissue injury, systemic symptoms).

U.S. Geographic Region: Across the United States.

Copperheads vary in color from reddish to golden tan. The colored bands on their bodies are typically hourglass-shaped. They have a deep facial pit between each eye and their nostril.

Copperheads are often found in forests, rocky areas, swamps, or near sources of water like rivers. Most adults are about 18–36 inches long. They are not usually aggressive, but will often freeze when frightened and will strike in defense if threatened, contacted or interacted with.

Workers are more likely to be bitten when they unknowingly step on or near a copperhead. Giving antivenom to a snake bite patient as soon as possible helps limbs to recover faster and it lessens the chance that a limb will be disabled after copperhead snake envenomation.

U.S. Geographic Region: Eastern states, extending as far west as Texas.

Adult cottonmouth snakes average 50–55 inches long. The adult snake’s skin is dark tan, brown, or nearly black, with vague black or dark brown cross-bands. Juveniles have a bold cross-banded pattern of brown or orange with a yellow tail. Cottonmouths are often found in or around water.

U.S. Geographic Region: Wetland areas, rivers, lakes, etc., in the southeastern states.

These snakes are sometimes confused with nonvenomous king snakes, which have similar colored bands, but arranged differently. Coral snakes tend to hide in leaf piles or burrow into the ground.

U.S. Geographic Region: Wooded, sandy, or marshy areas of the Southern United States.

Signs or symptoms of a snake bite may vary depending on the type of snake, but may include:

• Puncture marks at the wound
• Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blistering around the bite
• Severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)
• Rapid heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure
• Disturbed vision
• Metallic, mint, or rubber taste in the mouth
• Increased salivation and sweating
• Numbness or tingling around face and/or limbs
• Muscle twitching

Signs of Snake Bite

Photos courtesy of Sean P. Bush.

Workers should take these steps if a snake bites them:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible (dial 911 or call local Emergency Medical Services [EMS]).
  • Antivenom is the treatment for serious snake envenomation. The sooner antivenom can be started, the sooner irreversible damage from venom can be stopped.
  • Driving oneself to the hospital is not advised because people with snakebites can become dizzy or pass out.
• Take a photograph of the snake from a safe distance if possible. Identifying the snake can help with treatment of the snakebite.
• Keep calm.
• Inform your supervisor.
• Apply first aid while waiting for EMS staff to get you to the hospital.
  • Lay or sit down with the bite in a neutral position of comfort.
  • Remove rings and watches before swelling starts.
  • Wash the bite with soap and water.
  • Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
  • Mark the leading edge of tenderness/swelling on the skin and write the time alongside it.

Do NOT do any of the following:

• Do not pick up the snake or try to trap it. NEVER handle a venomous snake, not even a dead one or its decapitated head.
• Do not wait for symptoms to appear if bitten, get medical help right away.
• Do not apply a tourniquet.
• Do not slash the wound with a knife or cut it in any way.
• Do not try to suck out the venom.
• Do not apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
• Do not drink alcohol as a painkiller.
• Do not take pain relievers (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen).
• Do not apply electric shock or folk therapies.

Snakes live in a wide variety of habitats including forests, swamps, grasslands, deserts and in both fresh and salt water. Some are active at night, others during the day. Snakes are predators and eat a wide variety of animals, including rodents, insects, birds' eggs and young birds. Snakes are cold-blooded and must move to a suitable surrounding environment to regulate their body temperature. They can't survive extreme summer heat for more than 10-20 minutes and are rarely found in the open. They hibernate in the winter and may also be inactive periodically during hot summer weather. Most snakes that you may encounter are not poisonous. Venomous snakes that are found in the United States include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins, and coral snakes. Before venturing out, familiarize yourself with the snakes in the area where you plan to spend time.

How to avoid snake bites:

• Leave snakes alone. Do not handle, tease or harass them.
• Keep a distance of at least six feet between you and the snake.
• Stay on trails and watch where you place your hands and feet, especially when climbing or stepping over fences, large rocks and logs or when collecting firewood.
• Stay away from tall grass and piles of leaves.
• Avoid climbing on rocks or piles of wood where a snake may be hiding.
• Wear long pants and proper foot gear, especially at night.

Signs or symptoms from a snake bite may include:

• A pair of puncture marks at the wound
• Redness and swelling around the bite
• Severe pain at the site of the bite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)
• Disturbed vision
• Increased salivation and sweating
• Numbness or tingling around your face and/or limbs

How to treat snake bites:

• Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
• Keep the snake bite victim still, as movement helps the venom spread through the body.
• Keep the injured body part motionless and just lower than heart level.
• Keep the victim warm, calm and at rest.
• Do not allow the person to eat or drink anything.
• Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.

Do NOT do any of the following:

• Wait for symptoms to appear if bitten, seek immediate medical attention.
• Apply a tourniquet.
• Slash the wound with a knife.
• Suck out the venom.
• Apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
• Drink alcohol as a painkiller.
• Drink caffeinated beverages.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are common on some forests and may be observed during the warm months. Rattlesnakes are easily identified by their broad, diamond-shaped head, splotched markings that appear to be separated by lighter colored stripes which become smaller and narrower towards the paper-like noise-producing rattles. They vary in color from tan to nearly black with light colored belly.

During the cold months, rattlesnakes conserve their energy in dens. During the warm months, the snakes are attracted to warm and dry spots. They usually find a shady spot during the hottest time of the day and venture out to hunt during cooler morning and evening periods. They can swim and it's best to abandon the rock you are fishing from if a rattlesnake is swimming toward it.

The rattling sound is a common warning to potential predators and it's wise to move away from the sound. Rattlesnakes should be treated with caution and avoided if seen or heard.

Highlights

• If you see a snake in your home, immediately call the animal control agency in your county.
• Be aware of snakes that may be swimming in the water or hiding under debris or other objects.
• If you or someone you know are bitten, try to see and remember the color and shape of the snake.
• Do not pick up a snake or try to trap it.

After a natural disaster, snakes may have been forced from their natural habitats and move into areas where they would not normally be seen or expected. When you return to your home, be cautious of snakes that may have sought shelter in your home. If you see a snake in your home, immediately call the animal control agency in your county.

How to Prevent Snake Bites

• Be aware of snakes that may be swimming in the water to get to higher ground and those that may be hiding under debris or other objects.
• If you see a snake, back away from it slowly and do not touch it.

Signs of Snake Bites

If you have to walk in high water, you may feel a bite, but not know that you were bitten by a snake. You may think it is another kind of bite or scratch. Pay attention to the following snake bite signs.

Depending on the type of snake, the signs and symptoms may include:

• A pair of puncture marks at the wound
• Redness and swelling around the bite
• Severe pain at the site of the bite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)
• Disturbed vision
• Increased salivation and sweating
• Numbness or tingling around your face and/or limbs

What TO DO if You or Someone Else is Bitten by a Snake

• If you or someone you know are bitten, try to see and remember the color and shape of the snake, which can help with treatment of the snake bite.
• Keep the bitten person still and calm. This can slow down the spread of venom if the snake is venomous.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Dial 911 or call local Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
• Apply first aid if you cannot get the person to the hospital right away.
  • Lay or sit the person down with the bite below the level of the heart.
  • Tell him/her to stay calm and still.
  • Wash the wound with warm soapy water immediately.
  • Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.

What NOT TO DO if You or Someone Else is Bitten by a Snake

• Do not pick up the snake or try to trap it (this may put you or someone else at risk for a bite).
• Do not apply a tourniquet.
• Do not slash the wound with a knife.
• Do not suck out the venom.
• Do not apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
• Do not drink alcohol as a pain killer.
• Do not drink caffeinated beverages.

Employer Recommendations

Employers should protect their workers from venomous snake bites by training them about:

• their risk of being bitten by venomous snakes,
• how to identify venomous snakes,
• how to prevent snake bites, and
• what they should do if they see a snake or if a snake bites them.

Worker Recommendations

Workers should take these steps to prevent a snake bite:

• Do not touch or handle any snake.
• Stay away from tall grass and piles of leaves when possible.
• Avoid climbing on rocks or piles of wood where a snake may be hiding.
• Be aware that snakes tend to be most active at dawn and dusk and in warm weather.
• Wear boots and long pants when working outdoors. Even denim jeans may prevent some, although not all, bites by smaller snakes.
• Wear leather gloves when handling brush and debris.