Snakes are very interesting creatures. They have permeated throughout our society for centuries. Their slippery and slithery bodies have fascinated some of us and haunted others of us. The fall of man, according to the Bible, was instigated by a snake. We also find snakes in many other forms of entertainment, ranging from books to movies, often portrayed as an evil entity. Along with spiders, they are probably one of the most fear-inspiring animals on the planet today.
But what is it that instills fear of snakes in most people? If you guessed "the bite," you're probably right. About 8,000 Americans are bitten by poisonous snake each year. Of those, about twelve die. It's not so much the statistics, however, that scare most people. It's the way in which you succumb to the bite. The snake slides quietly as you walk through the forest. You hear something and stop to listen, but you here nothing. As you begin to walk again, you feel a sharp pain on your leg. You look down only to find two teeth marks. You then suddenly grow tired and weak as you realize that the venom is slowly spreading throughout your body.
The most common poisonous snakebites in America come from Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, Cottonmouth Water Moccasins, and the Coral Snake. They populate our grasslands, wetlands, and even desert country, striking fear in those unfamiliar with the terrain.
If you ever find yourself bitten by a snake, be sure the wash the bite with soap and water. Then get to a medical health professional immediately. Try to immobilize the area where you were bitten and keep it below the heart, this ensures that you maintain blood flow and that the venom isn't easily spread to other parts of the body, like your head. Keeping a clean, moist towel and using it to compress the wound helps to minimize the spread of venom. Monitor your vital signs every moment of the way to the hospital. If there is a change in skin color, loss of breath, or the person beings to faint, time is running out.
Despite the looming threat of dangerous snakebites, many people would like to keep a snake as a pet. Before purchasing a snake, consult a professional about the maintenance requirements of the snake and the best way to prevent dangerous occurrences. Make sure that the snake is well fed so that it does not become hungry while someone is holding it. No matter what choices you make about owning a snake, always remember that safety comes first.
For more information on the treatment of snakes and how to avoid getting a snake bite, consult this website: http://www.sanantonioveterinarianclinics.com
Joseph Devine
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