Snakebites: First aid

Most North American snakes aren't poisonous. Some exceptions include the rattlesnake, coral snake, water moccasin and copperhead.

Excepting the coral snake, these poisonous snakes have slit-like eyes. Their heads are triangular, with a depression, or pit, midway between the eyes and nostrils.

Other characteristics are unique to certain poisonous snakes:

Rattlesnakes make a rattling sound by shaking the rings at the end of their tail.
Water moccasins have a white, cottony lining in their mouth.
Coral snakes have red, yellow and black rings along the length of their body.

To reduce your risk of a snakebite, avoid picking up or playing with any snake. Most snakes usually avoid people if possible and bite only when threatened or surprised.

If you've experienced a snakebite:

Remain calm
Don't try to capture the snake
Immobilize the bitten arm or leg and try to stay as quiet as possible
Remove jewelry, because swelling tends to progress rapidly
Apply a loose splint to reduce movement of the affected area, but make sure it is loose enough that it won't restrict blood flow
Don't use a tourniquet or apply ice
Don't cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom

Seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially if the bitten area changes color, begins to swell or is painful.