[16], There are also venomous colubrids in Africa, although of these only two arboreal genera, the boomslang and the twig snakes, are likely to inflict life-threatening bites. Map showing the approximate world distribution of snakes. The important thing to remember is to never attempt to catch or kill a snake – most snake bites occur when people are trying to do this. First, try to identify the snake species, Frank said. Although most snakes aren’t poisonous, there are several kinds of snakes in the United States that are poisonous. [23] In many sub-Saharan countries, poor availability of expensive antivenom contributes to morbidity, and snakebites continue to remain a neglected health problem. They have rings at the end of … Important cobra species include the forest cobra and the black-necked spitting cobra. Greater than 90% of snake bites occur on the legs and snakes can not bite through heavy leather. Pit viper snake venoms are hemotoxic, except for some Mojave rattlers. [17] Important cobra species include the forest cobra and the black-necked spitting cobra. This is because most snakes would be on the ground. [1][17] The Palestine viper and Lebetine viper are the most important species. Where Do Snake Bites Happen? Still, according to a 2011 veterinary study, nearly 150,000 dogs and cats are bitten each year. [14] Approximately 1 million snakebites occur in sub-Saharan Africa each year,[23] resulting in up to 500,000 envenomations, 25,000 deaths and another 25,000 permanent disabilities.[24]. Dress to protect yourself: Wear … [34] In Tasmania and Kangaroo Island, which have a cooler, moister habitat than mainland Australia, the tiger snakes and copperhead snakes inflict the majority of bites. They occur when a snake transmits venom during a bite. Its name is snake bite. Information: If you're not in the UK when you are bitten by a snake, contact the emergency medical services in the country you're in. But what is the strategy to deal with them? [23] Most victims who receive treatment by health care professionals have nevertheless delayed seeking medical attention for over 24 hours, and often up to 1 to 2 weeks. Since these snakes are nocturnal and fossorial, living in burrows underground, bites remain rare, peaking at 1 to 3% in certain areas of the Sudanian savanna. The location of the bite is important, too. It is also the species which has the highest mortality rate worldwide. Strong leather boots are a sensible precaution when hunting in snake country. Venomous snakes are distributed unevenly throughout the United States — the vast majority of snake bites occur in warm weather states. Therefore if you are planning to travel across the US, you should be aware of which are the states with most snake bites in America. Monsoons occur in the Americas too, but tend to be weaker than in other regions. 1 0. blare_out. [8][11] The tropical rattlesnake is another important species. In the Neotropics, the lance-headed vipers inflict the majority of fatal bites, although of the many known species, only two, the common lancehead and terciopelo, are responsible for most fatalities. Bites from venomous snakes are extremely rare in the states near the Canada–US border. This is because of the properties of the Pacific Rim; it has a high number of active submarine earthquake zones, which are a major factor in the occurrence of tsunamis. A territorial species that may become unusually aggressive if provoked. Besides, many venomous snake bites occur without envenomation, that is, even though the snake bites, it may fail to inject its venom at that moment. Those that are venomous may also cause fever, a headache, convulsions, and numbness. [33][65], Although not a particularly aggressive species, the horned viper possesses the most potent venom of all European snakes. [47], Colubrid species found in Central America only cause mild to moderate envenomation in healthy adults, and most of these bites have occurred in humans handling the snakes. However, in the Philippines, more than a quarter of Aeta men (a modern forest-dwelling hunter-gatherer group) have reported surviving a reticulated python attack. Bites can cause an allergic reaction in … It is a fast revolving storm that features strong winds, a low-pressure center, and a closed low-level atmospheric movement. In these poverty-stricken countries, only 8% of victims get to hospital, say, around 90% are unknown, which leads to their sure deaths. According to the CDC, about 8,000 snakebites happen in the U.S. each year. If you just bought a snake as a pet, it might not be ready for … Even methods that have been recommended by medical authorities in one part of the world may not be appropriate for use in other places because of the differences in the types of effects that different snake venoms can have. So, while you might normally think it’s a bad idea to pick up a wild snake, if you are drunk, you might go ahead and do it anyway. [2][41] Further, the majority of bites in the United States occur in the southwestern part of the country, in part because rattlesnake populations in the eastern states are much lower.[42]. Not every bite will actually cause envenomation, but all bites should be treated as though this has occurred. Snake bites aren’t terribly common in the U.S. — and they aren’t usually fatal. The brown snakes are not present on these islands. Rattlesnakes. Drunk people rarely handle snakes in a comfortable way for the snake. Contrary to public perception, pit viper bites are not immediately fatal unless the venom enters a vein directly. [58], Most of the Pacific Islands are free of terrestrial snakes;[17] however, sea snakes are common in the Indian Ocean and tropical Pacific Ocean, but are not found in the Atlantic Ocean or the Caribbean, Mediterranean or Red Seas. If you accidentally step too close to a snake, take at least two giant steps backwards to get out of the snake’s reach. [49] For example, 54% of patients admitted to hospitals for venomous snakebite in northwestern Colombia had already been treated by a shaman. The venom consists of proteins, polypeptides, and enzymes that cause necrosis and hemolysis. Most bites to the hands and arms occur when someone is handling the snake. Most snakebites occur between April and October, when weather is warm and outdoor activities are popular. Path to improved health. Generally, the estimated number of snake-bitten people is around 5.4 million per year, and 2.7 million of them were envenomings. Most of the Vietnemese population live in the countryside without the necessary medical opportunities and antivenom treatment, which indicates when it comes to snake bites, Vietnam has to face with more severe issues than many other Southeast Asian countries. The tests could lead to the stockpiling of anti-venom in strategic locations. It is estimated that 7,000 – 8,000 people per year are bitten by venomous snakes. Snakes deliver their venom through paired fangs. Dr. Gerardo said that most snake bites occur in common places, like near wood piles or in the garden. [2][10][12] Children and the elderly are the most likely to die. Well, it the snake is on the ground chances are you would be bitten on your lower leg and ankle. 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