(NAPSI)-Even when it's dead, a venomous snake can still bite you. And we're not talking about the snakes in Congress or on Wall Street.
We're talking those scaly, legless reptiles-of the subfamily Crotalinae-that bite about 8,000 people annually across the country. And contrary to popular belief, they're the last thing a doctor wants to see you walk in with if you're one of those thousands.
"We don't want people bringing a snake into an ambulance or hospital, since they still have a bite reflex for a short time after death," says Erica Liebelt, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine.
In fact, it turns out there are a lot of myths about snakes that need debunking before you head out to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are the four most prevalent ones:
Myth
Snakes only live in the wild.
Fact
Have you not seen the news about snakes turning up in abandoned, foreclosed houses? They also live in parks, yards, gardens and other unexpected spots, too. Extreme weather sometimes drives them to populated areas in search of food.
Myth
A bite victim should try to identify the snake that attacked him.
Fact
Doctors don't need to know that to provide treatment, and there's always the danger of being bitten again-by the same live snake-if you try to chase it down. Instead, get to a hospital ASAP. "The longer you wait, the more tissue damage sets in, and-although only about 12 people die a year from snakes in the U.S.-the greater the risk of death," says Dr. Liebelt.
Myth
Hollywood is spot-on when showing movie characters sucking the venom out of a snakebite.
Fact
Sucking on or cutting the skin around a bite can worsen tissue damage. Don't use a tourniquet or ice compression either-that will only make things worse. If you can't immediately get to a hospital, call the local poison center at (800) 222-1222. Also, wash and immobilize the bite area and keep it at, or just below, your heart.
Myth
Snakes attack unprovoked.
Fact
Most people are bitten because they try to handle or get close to a snake. Stay safe by avoiding reeds and tall grass where copperheads, rattlesnakes and cottonmouths often live. And be cautious when gardening or picking up rocks and firewood.
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Showing posts with label venom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label venom. Show all posts
Monday, August 3, 2009
Monday, December 1, 2008
Brown Widow Spiders – Hiding in a Log Near You
Glove up before clearing brush, cleaning out the garage or pulling logs off the woodpile this winter. A brown widow spider or her more commonly known sister, the black widow, may be hiding in the shadows.
The brown widow’s camouflage – an orange hourglass on a brown body – makes her hard to see. That’s good for her but bad for the person who sticks a hand too close to her web.
The brown widow usually tries to stay away from people, said Whitney Boozer, an entomology graduate student with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
“If they’re disturbed, they drop off the web, curl up in a ball or retreat,” Boozer said.
They can’t retreat when they’re pressed up against someone’s skin, though. A brown widow gets in this situation when someone wraps a hand around her while she’s holed up some place.
Gloves and long sleeves will protect you “if you’re working in areas where brown widow spiders are commonly found,” Boozer said. Outside, brown widows prefer woodpiles, tires, empty containers and eaves. Indoors, the spider prefers protected places like under furniture and in shoes.
Shake clothes and check shoes before putting them on if they are left outside or in a garage.
Bites by brown widows cause severe reactions in 5 percent of people who are bitten. The young and old are especially vulnerable. With medical intervention, bites are almost never fatal.
The only scientific data collected on deaths attributed to widow spiders was taken between 1950 and 1959. During that time, 63 people died from the spiders’ bites, said Nancy Hinkle, a CAES entomologist.
“Doubtless those numbers are much lower now that we have indoor plumbing because most widow bites occurred in privies,” she said.
According to Boozer, the brown widow’s venom is more toxic than that of her black cousin, but she injects less venom when she bites.
“In my whole life, I have known only one person bitten by a widow spider, and actually I didn’t know him, he just called my office,” Hinkle said. “On the other hand, I have personally known three people who were struck by lightning.”
She estimates that there are fewer than seven people killed each year by widow spiders. More than 1,000 people each year are struck by lightning.
“So your chance of being killed by a widow spider bite -- even without treatment -- is over 100 times less than your chance of being struck by lightning,” Hinkle said.
Despite the odds, brown widows still aren’t spiders most people want wandering around in their homes. If you do see one, don’t panic. Boozer suggests taking it outside or vacuuming it up.
“Even outside, you’re allowed to kill widow spiders,” Hinkle said, who usually cringes when the conversation turns to smashing spiders.
Crush the egg sack, too, Boozer said. A brown widow’s egg sack is sphere shaped with spindly spikes of webbing sticking up all over it.
If desperation leads to a chemical attack, it’s best to spray spiders directly, Boozer said. Spraying a home’s perimeter may prevent spiders from entering it, but it won’t kill the ones already there. Brown widow spiders avoid places that have been sprayed.
By Stephanie Schupska
University of Georgia
Stephanie Schupska is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
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The brown widow’s camouflage – an orange hourglass on a brown body – makes her hard to see. That’s good for her but bad for the person who sticks a hand too close to her web.
The brown widow usually tries to stay away from people, said Whitney Boozer, an entomology graduate student with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
“If they’re disturbed, they drop off the web, curl up in a ball or retreat,” Boozer said.
They can’t retreat when they’re pressed up against someone’s skin, though. A brown widow gets in this situation when someone wraps a hand around her while she’s holed up some place.
Gloves and long sleeves will protect you “if you’re working in areas where brown widow spiders are commonly found,” Boozer said. Outside, brown widows prefer woodpiles, tires, empty containers and eaves. Indoors, the spider prefers protected places like under furniture and in shoes.
Shake clothes and check shoes before putting them on if they are left outside or in a garage.
Bites by brown widows cause severe reactions in 5 percent of people who are bitten. The young and old are especially vulnerable. With medical intervention, bites are almost never fatal.
The only scientific data collected on deaths attributed to widow spiders was taken between 1950 and 1959. During that time, 63 people died from the spiders’ bites, said Nancy Hinkle, a CAES entomologist.
“Doubtless those numbers are much lower now that we have indoor plumbing because most widow bites occurred in privies,” she said.
According to Boozer, the brown widow’s venom is more toxic than that of her black cousin, but she injects less venom when she bites.
“In my whole life, I have known only one person bitten by a widow spider, and actually I didn’t know him, he just called my office,” Hinkle said. “On the other hand, I have personally known three people who were struck by lightning.”
She estimates that there are fewer than seven people killed each year by widow spiders. More than 1,000 people each year are struck by lightning.
“So your chance of being killed by a widow spider bite -- even without treatment -- is over 100 times less than your chance of being struck by lightning,” Hinkle said.
Despite the odds, brown widows still aren’t spiders most people want wandering around in their homes. If you do see one, don’t panic. Boozer suggests taking it outside or vacuuming it up.
“Even outside, you’re allowed to kill widow spiders,” Hinkle said, who usually cringes when the conversation turns to smashing spiders.
Crush the egg sack, too, Boozer said. A brown widow’s egg sack is sphere shaped with spindly spikes of webbing sticking up all over it.
If desperation leads to a chemical attack, it’s best to spray spiders directly, Boozer said. Spraying a home’s perimeter may prevent spiders from entering it, but it won’t kill the ones already there. Brown widow spiders avoid places that have been sprayed.
By Stephanie Schupska
University of Georgia
Stephanie Schupska is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Gators and Snakes, and Oh My!
It's been a few years since we had stopped to tour the Edisto Island Serpentarium on Edisto Island, South Carolina. So, on this trip, we came back for an encore visit. What a treat this place is. That is, if you are interested in learning about snakes and reptiles!
While I am not a personal fan of these slithery creatures or the prehistoric looking reptiles, I can appreciate their beauty and niche in the world.
The Edisto Island Serpentarium is a family owned operation and worth a stop. The owners truly care about the animals and teaching others about conservation in the ACE basin. If I remember correctly, their collection of alligators all have local roots. These guys are not afraid to go and catch them, or to teach others. Feeding time is interesting as the alligators see the owner with the bucket of treats and literally all line up for feeding. It's truly amazing to see how fast these guys can move when there is food involved. I do have to admit the close proximity of these guys to my family did make my tummy get a little queasy.
In addition to the alligators, there are plenty of snakes to view. Some are in some really big pits just kind of lying around. That is, I hope they are! It was surprising to realize that their snakes can also get dirty and have to have their open pits cleaned. One of the pits was closed on this particular visit until they could finish cleaning it out. No matter as there are plenty of others to see.
There is also the snake show which teaches the visitors about these creatures. Once again, I have to sit on the back row, but I always see it. As much as I am not a fan of the snakes, I do understand the need to be able to distinguish between the good and the bad boys.
The guys at the Serpentarium not only care for the animals, they also collect the venom so anti-venom can be made. Good job, mates!
There are also plenty of iguanas on display. These overgrown lizards don't hurt anyone (that I know of) and are rather prehistoric looking in their own right.
When you are in the area, take a break from the beach and spend a few hours at the Serpentarium. You'll come out knowing a little more about these animals. Perhaps, you'll even appreciate their watchful beady, oh I mean beautiful, eyes.
I'm proud to say that we came out with all of our fingers and toes intact!
Until next time,
Sandy Toes
While on Edisto
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