What Kind of Snake is it?
Only 6 of the 45 snake species found in the Midwest are venomous.
Venomous snakes of the Midwest include copperhead, cottonmouth,
four rattlesnakes (timber, massassauga, pigmy, prairie). All of
these species belong to the pit viper family (Viperidae). Several
characteristics can be used to distinguish pit vipers from harmless
snakes. All pit vipers have 1) elliptical, cat-like eye pupils;
2) broad, spade-shaped head; and 3) heat sensory pits between the
nostril and eye. Of course, rattlesnakes will also have a tail
rattle. Be careful, this distinction does not hold true everywhere
in the country. For example, the venomous coral snake found in
the southeastern United States is not a member of the pit viper
family, and thus, lacks these characteristics.
More people die of lightening strikes than venomous snake bites
in the U.S. every year. According to a study published in the New
England Journal of Medicine (2002), about 7,000 to 8,000 people
are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year, and
about five of them die.
Snakes benefit us all in many ways. Chemicals in snake venom may
help treat heart attacks, blood disorders, some brain injuries,
strokes, and Alzheimer's disease. A chemical agent in copperhead
venom shows promise in cancer treatments. Snakes provide us all
with free pest control; many species of snakes eat garden slugs,
mice, rats, moles, and voles. Snakes are also food for other wildlife.
Do young venomous snakes have venom? Young
pit vipers have the same venom as adults although in less quantity
and venom potency
can vary among individuals and species. Treat all venomous snakes
the same – with respect and caution.
Are some Midwestern snakes other than
pit vipers “mildly” venomous?
This is under debate among the scientific community. For example,
some believe that hognose snakes are mildly venomous since bites
have resulted in bad burning and swelling. One thing that is apparent
is that reaction to snake bites varies individually. People have
had bad reactions to the bites of other non-venomous species. The
reaction may be due to bacterial infection or allergic reaction.
More studies are needed to answer this question.
Can a bite from a venomous snake kill
a person? There is no simple answer to this because venom toxicity
varies by species and even
individuals of the same species. The amount of venom delivered
in a bite also varies among species and individuals of the same
species. Studies have shown that age, nutritional status and time
of year can affect venom potency. Remember, being bitten by a venomous
snake is extremely rare. So much so, that many states don’t
track the number of people bitten. Most of our venomous snakes
are uncommon and typically inhabit areas away from people.
should I do if a venomous snake bites me? If you are
bitten by a venomous snake, the American Red Cross recommends
- Wash the bite with soap and water.
the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.
- Get medical
If you are bitten by a non venomous
snake, wash the bite with soap and water. If you have doubts,
How can I avoid snakebites? The U.S. Food and
Drug Administration has several recommendations for avoiding bites.
at a safe distance (body length of the snake) away from the snake
and leave it alone.
- Keep hands and feet out of areas you cant’ see.
- Be cautious
and alert when climbing rocks or fallen logs.
For information about snakes, their identification,
and education activities, see:
Snakes of the Midwest