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NIOSH Safety and Health Topic:Venomous Snakes |
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Venomous snakes found in the United States include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins, and coral snakes. They can be dangerous to outdoor workers including farmers, foresters, landscapers, groundskeepers, gardeners, painters, roofers, pavers, construction workers, laborers, mechanics, and any other workers who spend time outside. Although rare, some workers with a severe allergy to snake venom may be at risk of death if bitten. It has been estimated that 7,000–8,000 people per year receive venomous bites in the United States, and about 5 of those people die. The number of deaths would be much higher if people did not seek medical care. It is important for employers to train their workers about their risk of exposure to venomous snakes, how they can prevent and protect themselves from snake bites, and what they should do if they are bitten. Types of Venomous SnakesRattlesnakes | Copperheads | Cottonmouths/Water Moccasins | Coral Snakes Rattlesnakes There are many species of rattlesnakes in the United States. Rattlesnakes are the largest of the venomous snakes in the United States. They can accurately strike at up to one-third their body length. Rattlesnakes use their rattles or tails as a warning when they feel threatened. Baby rattlesnakes may actually be more dangerous because they do not have control over how much venom they inject when they bite. Rattlesnakes may be found sunning themselves near logs, boulders, or open areas. These snakes may be found in most work habitats including the mountains, prairies, deserts, and beaches. U.S. Geographic Region: Across the United States. Copperheads Copperheads vary in color from reddish to golden tan. The colored bands on their body are typically hourglass-shaped. Most adults are 18� inches long. They are not usually aggressive, but will often freeze when frightened. Workers are more likely to be bitten when they unknowingly step on or near a copperhead. Copperheads are often found in forests, rocky areas, swamps, or near sources of water like rivers. U.S. Geographic Region: Eastern states, extending as far west as Texas. Cottonmouths/Water Moccasins Cottonmouth snakes average 5� inches long. The adult snake抯 skin is dark tan, brown, or nearly black, with vague black or dark brown crossbands. Juveniles have a bold crossbanded pattern of brown or orange with a yellow tail. Cottonmouths are frequently found in or around water. They do not scare easily and will defend themselves when threatened. U.S. Geographic Region: Wetland areas, rivers, lakes, etc., in the southeastern states. Coral Snakes These snakes are often confused with nonvenomous king snakes, which have similar colored bands although in a different arrangement. However, if the red bands are touching the yellow bands, then it is a venomous coral snake. Coral snakes tend to hide in leaf piles or burrow into the ground. U.S. Geographic Region: Wooded, sandy, or marshy areas of the Southern United States. SymptomsSigns or symptoms associated with a snake bite may vary depending on the type of snake, but may include:
Recommendations for Protecting WorkersEmployers should protect their workers from venomous snake bites by training them about:
Preventing Snake BitesWorkers should take the following steps to prevent a snake bite:
First AidWorkers should take the following steps if they are bitten by a snake:
Do NOT do any of the following:
CDC ResourcesCDC Emergency Preparedness and Response: How to Prevent or Respond to a Snake Bite CDC Snakes: Pictorial Key to Venomous Species in the United States Additional ResourcesOccupational Safety and Health Administration � Fact Sheet: Cottonmouth Snakes (Water Moccasin) Food and Drug Administration � For Goodness Snakes! Treating and Preventing Venomous Bites Florida Museum of Natural History抯 Guide to Florida抯 Venomous Snakes North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension: Avoiding Snake Bites Texas A&M University � Texas Cooperative Extension: Snakes and Their Control Page last updated: October 22, 2008
Page last reviewed: October 22, 2008 Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
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