What to do if a snake bites you this summer

As we get into the summer months, families will likely be spending more time outside, which means more exposure to the elements and wildlife. One such encounter you may not be looking forward to is a run-in with a snake.

Snakes play a crucial role in our environment and food chain, and in Missouri they are not looking to make a meal out of you. Bites to humans occur almost exclusively when a snake feels threatened. The best way to avoid a snakebite is to avoid the encounter altogether. Do not try to pick up snakes or put yourself in close proximity to one. Take extra precaution if you spend time in nature or do activities that put you in a snake’s environment, like landscaping or hiking.

That said, accidents happen — especially since some snakes have excellent camouflage. The good news is that the vast majority of snakes in Missouri are non-venomous. For most bites, proper wound care is all that is needed: wash the area with soap and water, keep it clean and bandaged, and watch for signs of infection.

There are, however, a handful of venomous snakes in Missouri. All native venomous species are pit vipers, which generally share a few identifying features: elliptical pupils similar to a cat’s eye and a flat, triangular head. Rattlesnakes, like the Timber Rattlesnake, will typically have the familiar rattle as well. Washington University maintains a helpful resource on venomous snakes native to Missouri at sites.wustl.edu/monh/venomous-snakes-of-missouri. 

If you are concerned a bite may be from a venomous snake, call 911 and poison control right away. The poison control number is 1-800-222-1222. It is toll free and available 24 hours a day. The most common symptoms of a venomous bite are swelling and pain, often around two puncture marks.

A few important do’s and don’ts if you or someone with you is bitten:

Take a photo of the snake from a safe distance, but do not try to catch or handle it (or one snakebite may turn into two). Even a severed snake head can still inject venom if its reflexes remain intact. Remove any jewelry from the affected limb in case swelling increases. Do not apply a tourniquet, put the bite on ice or try to suction the wound, as these can actually cause more tissue damage. Avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, since some venomous bites can affect bleeding risk and these medications may make that worse.

Not every venomous bite will require antivenom; that decision is made by your medical team in coordination with poison control. Your local emergency department can evaluate the bite, run lab work, begin treatment and arrange transport if needed. Some severe bites may require transfer to a larger facility for specialized care.

If a pet is bitten, the ASPCA Poison Control hotline at 1-888-426-4435 can help guide care. Note that a consultation fee typically applies.

Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Stay aware out there and enjoy a snakebite-free summer.

Dr. Logan Stiens is a third-year resident in the Bothwell-University of Missouri Rural Family Medicine Residency. After completing his residency this summer, he will continue his training with a fellowship in Medical Toxicology at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, where he will train alongside the Georgia Poison Center.