[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/08\/infographic-poisonous-snakes-dos-donts-bite-prevention-care\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/08\/infographic-poisonous-snakes-dos-donts-bite-prevention-care\/","headline":"How to Care for a Venomous Snake Bite Wound","name":"How to Care for a Venomous Snake Bite Wound","description":"Did you know there are four types of poisonous snakes in Western PA? Learn how to identify them, avoid snake bites, and treat them in this infographic.","datePublished":"2014-08-01","dateModified":"2022-06-23","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","name":"Trauma & Emergency Medicine","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/trauma-emergency-medicine\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/infographic-poisonous-snakes-dos-donts-bite-prevention-care.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/infographic-poisonous-snakes-dos-donts-bite-prevention-care.jpg","height":867,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/08\/infographic-poisonous-snakes-dos-donts-bite-prevention-care\/","about":["Living and Wellness","Safety"],"wordCount":534,"keywords":["copperhead","cottonmouth","poison","rattlesnake","snakebite","snakes","venom"],"articleBody":"Summer is the ideal time to enjoy the great outdoors, particularly the picturesque wilderness of western Pennsylvania. Before you begin your trek though, you should know a little about some of the critters, including venomous snakes, you might encounter out there.Check out this infographic to learn important facts and stats, as well as the do’s and don’ts, about caring for snake bites. Poisonous Snakes in Western PAA weekend camping trip or a hike through the woods might be on your summer-to-do list. But before you brave the great outdoors, are you prepared if you or a loved one has an unfortunate encounter with a snake?Primary Venomous Snakes Found in Western PAThe primary venomous snakes found in Western PA are:CottonmouthsMassassaguasTimber rattlesnakesCopperheadsThe snakes are typically found in underbrush or wooded areas, and occasionally in dark, overgrown domestic areas.\u00a0 Approximately 75 percent of snake bites by rattlesnakes and copperheads result in envenomation. Envenomation occurs when the venom from the snake is injected into another animal or person.The best way to avoid snakebites and envenomation is to stay away from areas where the snakes are likely to be found, such as wooded areas. If you do encounter a snake, calmly and quickly turn away and do not attempt to kill, capture, or handle the snake. It is important to note even if you are two to three feet away from a snake, it may bite you before you have the chance to walk away.Symptoms and Complications of Snake VenomIf you are bitten by a snake, symptoms can include:Pain at the site of the biteSwelling of the affected limbFormation of large, blood-filled blistersMuscle breakdown (in some cases)Various complications to watch for from venom consist of thinning of the blood, allowing victims to bleed easily from minor injuries. In rare cases the venom causes an allergic reaction, and due to localized swelling, injury to the tissue can result in permanent damage and may require surgical intervention.What to Do and What Not to Do When Bitten By A SnakeIn the event of a snake bite do:Evacuate the area immediatelyElevate and immobilize the affected area to prevent pooling of the venom to the smallest parts of the bodyCall the Pittsburgh Poison Center and\/or EMS for evaluation of the bite and possible envenomationPhotograph or take notes to describe the snake as this will help determine if the snake was venomousHowever, when bitten by a snake do not:Apply a tourniquetUse a venom extractor, which may cause unnecessary additional injury at the site of the biteAttempt to \u201csuck out the venom\u201d which is impossibleApply ice packs, which limits blood flow to the injured areas In the event you or a loved one are bitten by a snake, please seek immediate medical attention. To learn more about caring for both venomous and non-venomous snake bites or information on other sources of dangerous poisons, please visit the Pittsburgh Poison Center at UPMC website. For emergencies, please dial 1-800-222-1222.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on August 1, 2014, and was last reviewed on June 23, 2022."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"08","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/08\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How to Care for a Venomous Snake Bite Wound","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/08\/infographic-poisonous-snakes-dos-donts-bite-prevention-care\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]