Snakes

Most snakes are non-venomous and not aggressive unless threatened. There are 37 species of snakes found in North Carolina, but five venomous snakes cause the majority of snake bite poisonings.

1. Copperhead
2. Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
3. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
4. Pigmy Rattlesnake
5. Timber Rattlesnake

Venomous snakes leave one or two puncture wounds.

If bitten by a snake, you SHOULD:

• Sit down and stay calm
• Gently wash the area with warm, soapy water
• Remove any jewelry or tight clothing near the bite site
• Keep the bitten area still, if possible, and raise it to heart level
• Call NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

If bitten by a snake, you SHOULD NOT:

• Cut the bitten area to try to drain the venom. This can worsen the injury.
• Ice the area. Icing causes additional tissue damage
• Make and apply a tourniquet or any tight bandage. It’s better for the venom to flow through the body than for it to stay in one area.
• Suck or use a suction device to remove the venom
• Attempt to catch or kill the snake.

If a snakebite victim is having chest pain, difficulty breathing, face swelling, or has lost consciousness, call 911 immediately.

Call NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or chat from this site for questions about a snake bite or for more information.

• Download or print NC Poison Control's snake brochure
• Download or print NC Poison Control's snake poster
• Order a free snake pack from NC Poison Control