While the copperhead is widespread throughout the state, according to NC Poison Control, the cottonmouth is more prevalent east of the Triangle. There are six poisonous snakes common to North Carolina-the copperhead, cottonmouth, the eastern coral snake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, and the timber rattlesnake. Approximately five people die every year from those bites, and between 10 and 44% suffer permanent injuries or disabilities, such as loss of a finger. However, they can have several consequences on a person's limb functionality.Īccording to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 7,000 and 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes every year. German said copperhead bites are rarely fatal in humans. The most helpful thing is to take them to a veterinarian to see if this is a bite that requires anti-venom," said Dr. "There's not much that can be done specifically at home or any first-aid measures necessarily that are helpful. So the old measures of cutting the wound, applying suction, putting on a tourniquet, are bad ideas," said Dr. There's a lot of things you can do to make it worse. "There's really nothing you can do at home to make an envenomation better. If you or your animal is bit, it is important to seek medical care immediately. German, who added snakes are primarily active early in the morning or late in the evening. So keep everything trimmed well, don't leave things lying around they can hid under," said Dr. "If you want to keep snakes out of the yard, make sure you make it the least hospitable environment for them. German said people can protect themselves by wearing boots or leather gloves when working around the house or gardening. Now that we have a toddler in particular, I worry a lot about where she's stepping and keeping our grass extra short," Nuell said.ĭr. "We had an issue last summer with baby copperheads that would hide in tubes or anything rolled up in our carport. It's why she makes sure her children always wear shoes whenever they're in the grass. Lexie Nuell, a mother of three in Raleigh, said she's seen snakes in her backyard in the past. Always be scanning the trail, especially the sides of the trail," said Dr. "I think the most important thing is just keeping your dogs close to you at all times. However, Garrard said those are peak times for snake activity as well - and more people are getting bitten by venomous snakes.ĭata from UNC Health and Duke Health show that more people are getting bit by venomous snakes in the Triangle as well. Alexander Garrard, director of medical affairs for BTG Specialty Pharmaceuticals, said more people are hitting the hiking trails this summer, especially in the early mornings and evenings when it's not quite as hot. "(It's) the most we've ever had in recent memory," said Dr. Snake bites on the rise in central NC during COVID-19 pandemicĪs more people venture outside due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more snake bites are being reported across the US.Īccording to WakeMed, doctors treated 42 snake bite cases through June of 2018 so far they've treated 73 snake bite cases this year.
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