Dave,I have been a paramedic for more than 25 years and have worked several snake bites. The majority of the information you have given is exactly what we have done for the patient.
a friend of mine was bitten by a cottonmouth years ago while hand fishing ,he was bitten in the legg and it was a good hour before he got to the hospital ER his legg turned black and swole up and became hard as a drum he was in the ICU for 3 days and took several weeks to recover and the doctors told him if he had waited any longer the poison might have killed him they measured the bite radius it was 22cm across so it was a large snake they told him
Great video Dave, I have to add one thing that people should really pay attention to. The allergic response. Difficulty breathing by swelling and not anxiety. Reason being, if you are not having a true allergic reaction the epipen will send your heart rate sky high and the body will be speeding.
For those who want more info about the EpiPen that Dave mentioned, see Wikipedia and search for "EpiPen". It requires a prescription in many places, so talk to your doctor about it and explain what it's for. Then you can ask about the shelf-life of EpiPens and it's appropriate use, possible side effects, etc.
I live in Louisiana and snakes are a fact of life for us down here...especially rattlesnakes and moccasins. Snake boots and some common sense have kept me bite free for 40 years. Can't go wrong with a good pair of snake boots.
Possible side effects are increased heart rate, head ache, increased blood pressure, dizziness, chest pain, and anxiety. Epi-pens are appropriate in anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is different from a minor allergic reaction, because it will cause airway inflammation and create breathing problems. The airway constriction is the dangerous part of anaphylactic shock, you can deal with all the other problems it causes and survive.
good stuff, legitimate bites from venomous snakes are very rare, like you said you have to work pretty hard and/or do something pretty stupid to get bit, like trying to handle, harrass or kill a snake in the wild. The only snakes yall have to worry about are the ones walkin around on two legs in urban areas.
This emphasizes how important it is for those of is who enjoy being outdoors to take a CPR/first aid class and to stay current. I've had to splint a friends broken leg and carry her out and I've had to treat bad cuts in the woods. You just never know what might happen.
Great advice, I work with snakes everyday and I feel that a lot of snakes get a bad rep through ignorance. If there are snakes where you live it is very important to educate yourselves on the species and the effects that an envenomation can have and how to react to a bite. Again great advice Dave
Dave i was wondering if you would be willing to make a segment on how things would change if you went into the more western part of the US such as the Mojave or Az ect. I think it would be cool to see how your kit would change, of course i wouldn't expect you to take a trip out west for a YT vid but as a segment it would be cool.
Snake bite rules: 1) Don't get bit! Watch where you put your hands & feet. 2) Don't play with venomous snakes! A high percentage of bites happen to idiots trying pick up a snake. 3) Wear good leather boots. Having a good pair of leather boots on saved my bacon once when I was a teenager! The heavy leather heal counter stopped a copperhead's fangs. 4) It's not a bad idea to carry a S.P.O.T. Satellite Tracker just in case. With it you can call in search & rescue from most anywhere on Earth.
Very informative presentation. One thing I would like to add, regarding anaphalaxis, is, if you do not have an epi-pen, an antihistamine like Benadryl would be the best alternative to the pen.
im in florida too. usually i use a double nine .22 revolver with rat shot when i walk around the territory. but glad to say ive only had to use it once for this 6 foot diamond back and it wasnt in self defence, it was for the meat and skin. even he wanted to run away like they all do, only way to get bit is to surprise the snake.
In the panhandle Texas area (by Amarillo) the only snakes we really have to worry about are Western Diamondbacks but like Dave said usually they will warn you if you are getting too close for comfort,to be honest though if you are carrying a gun while camping/bushcrafting and you come across a diamondback they are worth eating if you can kill them,and the skin when tanned makes good straps for bags and things like that.
Thanks David for a very good class on an important subject. Here are some of my experiences with poisonous snakes: I worked in the woods in Louisiana as a forestry tech for 6 years. I encountered rattlesnakes that didn't rattle until molested. I have encountered huge rattlesnakes with no rattles, apparently eaten off by rodents in winter. I encountered hundreds of what we called pilot rattlers, I assume they were pygmies but were actually quite large.... 10-12 inches long and sporting small rattles. Our most dangerous is the canebrake rattler; considered a sub-species of the timber rattler. Coral snakes are extremely fast and can disappear under pine straw or leaf litter faster than you can imagine. The snake I most dreaded was the copperhead due to it's general disposition....mean as hell as well as it's incredible camouflage. Laying on beech leaves they are nearly impossible to spot. One of our techs was bitten by a copperhead. We were cruising timber in the Atchafalaya basin and were wearing full snake leggings. The leggings covered the entire leg up to the crotch but had a small gap at the side of the knee for articulation. The snake was lying up in a palmetto and .....you guessed it....hit him right in the small gap at the knee. Cottonmouths on the other hand seem less inclined to bite unless molested. Many times they would just lay there with their mouth open....even poking them with a stick would not elicit a strike most times. Cottonmouths have extremely good eyesight. Some can actually be arboreal....hanging by their tail in an S type position...apparently in some sort of ambush mode for birds, lizards etc. I have come face to face with them. Cottonmouths can be smelled from quite a distance if they see or sense you. They stink all to be damned. Best bet is to keep a sharp eye out and senses on high alert....leave them the hell alone. That's my 2 cents worth.
Thanks for this video. This not only provides knowledge about what to do in the event of a snake bite, but it also is sending a positive message about the snakes and respecting them. Like you said there is no reason to kill every snake you see. If you see it leave it be. You're in the woods, it was there first.
I know the topic is snakes, but I just read an article from the Toledo Blade that Black legged Ticks ( aka Deer Ticks) are spreading into eastern and southern ohio counties from pennsylvania. just thought I would mention it since we're most likely to bitten by ticks than snakes anyway while in the woods and grassy areas we like to play in.
I've never had that problem before. Usually I just stomp the ground and knock a tree with my knie when I get near water and i can hear and see them slithering away. It's a little scary that a snake would stay put because they are so well camoflauged.
I was solo hiking near Auburn, CA on the Hell Hole reservoir trail and came across a rattler, very small. I almost stepped on it while I was marking my territory. I didn't even know to look for them in this area. Do you know what kinds frequent the western sierra foothills?
I did some internet searching after your comment and it seems there are conflicting studies. One says the extractor removes less than 2% of the venom. the other says it remove up to 35% if used with 3 minutes of the bite. There were feedback comments that it was immediately helpful for wasp stings. Extreme pain followed by relief within minutes of using th extractor. I can tell you from my own expereince with the unit, that it dramatically improves mosquito and spider bites if used quickly.
Perhaps you could speak about spider bites, I have recently picked up the hobby of Collecting Petrified wood in an area behind my house and have ran into Black widows a few times now.
Excellent, as always. If at some point you could do a companion discussion on western snakes, I would appreciate it. My uncle was killed by a western diamondback rattler, and so I am somewhat paranoid. At the same time, that was back in the 50's, and I have no idea what kind of medical attention, or likely lack thereof, was administered.
good video, and a lot of people need to know that most bites are from people messing with the snakes. ive studied snakes and many animals and have worked at two zoo's. you gave some great advice.
Dave I have seen canines in your videos from time to time... I like to incorporate my dogs into my life as much as possible... I worry about being out in the Bush and the dog gets bit by a snake, what do you recommend?
I like to say that 80% of snakebites are 100% deserved. I have stepped within the strike range of a rattlesnake without even realizing it was there, and it was perfectly content to let me mosey on by before it came out of hiding. Regarding snakes in the Ohio River Valley, there are only three species that are venomous: Timber rattlesnakes, massasauga rattlesnakes and copperheads. Cottonmouths aren't present in Ohio, but you do start seeing them the closer you get to the Mississippi. Their range does not extend much further north than the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. As you go south, you'll enter eastern diamondback territory, and upon entering the deep south, you'll be in coral snake territory. But you don't start to see a great amount of biodiversity among venomous snakes until you start heading west. The southwestern United States is home to nearly half of all rattlesnake species, as well as two of our country's three coral snake species. In the northwestern US, you find only two species: C. oreganus (Pacific rattlesnake) and C. viridis (prairie rattlesnake). The Pacific rattlesnake has the greatest number of subspecies of all of America's rattlesnakes, and even among the same subspecies, they vary widely in color. With the prairie rattlesnake, if you've seen one, you've basically seen them all. The prairie rattlesnake has arguably the messiest bite of all rattlesnakes due to its venom being predominantly cytotoxic, but it is also among the shiest of all rattlesnakes. Prairie rattlesnakes are very reluctant to bite, and generally have very even temperaments. I'm just a beginning field herper, but the specimens I've come across so far have been reluctant to even rattle, let alone bite. Nonetheless, they are capable of delivering a very serious bite, and they deserve respect.
Obviously the first rule is get to a hospital and get the right antivenon, (identify the snake if at all possible!). But, if medical care is not immediately possible for some reason (having weathered hurricane Ike a few years ago I can tell you there was no medical care available in many areas. (phone and internet service of all kinds was out, some roads were impassible for several days until fallen trees could be removed) Then perhaps this thing could save a life by reducing the venom load.
By FAR the most informative and meaningful information I have ever been given about snakes. Thank You, thank you, thank you. You have answered every question I can remember having about snake bites. I might have to join a twelve step program for these videos... I can't stop! (not sure I want to)
as much as it is good that you voice your concerns and disclaimer trail boss... the voice of experience rings through in each and every one of your videos. you have 100% of my attention and trust.
Dave, I would like to add that out of my experience with the western cottonmouth, they are very timid snakes. I have had them run away from me from up to 10 feet away, and i have had one (unknowingly of course) about 6 inches away from my boot slither away faster than a bullet. Obviously, avoid them, but most of the time, they will avoid you first.
Funny thing is I was told by a retired survival instructor that majority of people who get bit by snakes are the people how try pick them up or try play with them. Dave's advice is great back away and leave them be. By the way I love 5:00 "you have to pick one up and molest it to be bit by it"
Great video...having been bit by a copperhead and doing the whole cut and suck thing, i can tell you that is a very very bad idea. Instead of having one bite on the foot i ended up with another bite in my mouth, because the venom will absorb into your tounge and cheeks faster than your foot.
Why do you think this? It is sold as a venom extractor. Granted it will not remove it all, but certainly removes some and lessens the body's reaction. I have used it on other bites over the years and the vacuum it creates is quite impressive. It definitely pulls fluid from the site of the bite if you use it while the skin is still open at the bite site. (what else would you use it for? it has no other use that I am aware of)
In the Upstate of SC, copperheads are very prevalent. When the babies are born, you don't want to be walking around barefoot in the grass. I'm glad you told everyone not to cut and suck, or waste money on venom extractors. The best thing is to remain calm( to keep the heart rate down) and get to the hospital. Agree with you that avoidance is the best defense.
I'm an EMT from Texas where we have all 4 categories of these bad boys. I've never dealt with a snakebite personally; but for the allergic reaction part of it, what we treat those with is Epi, Benadryl (a histamine 1 blocker), and Tagamet (a histamine 2 blocker). One easy way to stop an allergic reaction in its tracks in the field is popping a couple of benadryl. I'm not sure if that would help with a snake bite though?
family from elkhorn ky- snake draw poltice is- shave a tblespoon bar soap,add tsp sugar and start working together- add human spit to make into a thick creamy paste- put on snake bite and wrap- change daily...hope this helps in case you have no plantain on hand- most have soap and sugar in their packs...
P:S: It has always seemed to me that areas that have venomous snakes are the areas I like to visit. If an area is void of snakes it is often a poor ecosystem lacking clean water or small game. Snakes aren't to be feared, but to be respected, excellent advice Brother.
I came across and watched this video last night. This evening a friend was biten and I was able to pass this information along. Thank you your videos are awesome!
walking with a heavy foot and kicking logs before stepping over them makes snakes run away. Also crosing streams I've made them run by knocking on a tree with the back side of my knife. Stomping on the ground works to make them run. They can sence vibration and head for the hills.
I worry about one crawling up next to me at night and biting me as soon as I move, then again I have a major fear of snakes so I'm a bit paranoid. How likely is that to happen? I live in Texas so I don't sleep on the ground much if its not winter due to fire ants but I still wonder about it.
Dave, thanks for another excellent video. Again, 'common sense' prevails. I completely agree with the information you've shared. If you happen to have a snake bite situation, remain as calm as possible and get to or wait for medical help asap. Time is the key factor, don't waste it.
Im glad i watched this, just debunked all the bullshit about snakes in a few minutes, also ive been all over Alabama and ive never even seen a coral snake, ive seen more water moccasins than any of the four and ive never been chased by any of them.
Great video Dave. Good info. I just moved to the Pacific North West (Southern Oregon) I know there are snakes here including some Rattlers but that's about all I know. Any chance you could talk about what's in my area?
THECREEEEPER, I was always taught that the use of a tourniquet doesn't do anything because the venom being in the blood, you would have to tie it so tight that you'll probably lose the limb, also the pressure built up will force the venom in the outer capillaries and make any necrosis that much worse. Grandpa might have been off his rocker but that was his advice.
Encountered a few prairie rattlers on the trail today here in Idaho. Gave the first ones space and walked on by but the trail narrowed dramatically and next time I heard that sound I had to dip. Sometimes you just can't avoid them. Better safe than sorry, especially when you're solo.
The extractor doesnt remove enough venom to really help you in the event of a venomous snake bite. And the package doesnt mention getting to the hospital, just use the extractor and your cured! Just dont want people to think that thing will save them.The only treatment for a snake bite is a set of car keys, and get to the hospital, where they can treat you with anti-venin if needed.
I am originally from michigan... have family who lives just south of the mackinac bridge... I was un aware there was rattle snakes that far up north.... or poisonous snakes at all up there....I figured it would be too cold for them... I now live in southern Ill and let me tell you there are plenty of timber rattlers down here.... along with the copperheads an cottonmouths...
I hiked the entire east coast Florida to Maine via florida trail and appalachian trail, seen many snakes, many rattlers, most will give you a fair warning others are very docile. Never got close to being bit but kept head on a swivel anyway. Corral snakes can be seen in gardens in Fl. Great info. Thank you.
hey brother unfortunatly in the part of texas i am in the rattle snakes dont always rattle its like you said you have to PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION to your surroundings and be very cautious. thanks brother keep up the great work
Out in the California woodlands, we pretty much only have rattle snakes. And they aren't an issue...Though I do draw the line when they try to move in. Back up in the foothills every couple of years one would end up under a couch or bed.
I am in complete agreement...avoid, avoid, avoid. And by chance should I meet a snake, any snake, I'll give him back his territory by vacating his A/O.
Don't want to speak for him, but in that situation the anaphylactic shock takes precident. The bite won't kill you in minutes but the shock will. Your airway will be closed off in a matter of minutes and you will die if you can't get aid.
I was back in the range on the family farm. I was shooting, I was told to always save some, but I didn't listen this time. I was lucky I was wearing my herming survivors work boots. I was walking back toward the house. I walked over a brown snake, I did not see it I felt something stike my boot. I turned around real fast, I saw the snake, I backed up slowly. I got home, I took my boots off, and looked and there was two even spaced dots on my the heal of the boot. I was lucky, man I tell you.
There's an easy way to tell the difference between a water moccasin (cottonmouth) and a non venomous water snake if it's in the water. A cottonmouth will swim with it's head raised well out of the water. The typical non venomous water snake will swim with it's head in the water or just slightly raised. In my area of Arkansas, the woods are thick with cottonmouth and copperhead. Sure was thoughtful of Game&Fish to import yet another venomous critter (Rattlesnake) to watch out for. Thanks Dave.
super video Dave,I am out here in Northern Northern California up near the Oregon border. I'm a stone's throw from the mountain called "Mount Shasta" (about 9 miles) great camping out there.take care my friend. Krisy
I've seen more cottonmouths than any other. Only encountered a copperhead a handful of times. I rarely run across a rattlesnake but when I do it's a big one. I've only seen 1 coral snake in 3 1/2 decades. Good video. This info doesn't get discussed enough.
Dave, You may want to research this, but I have heard, that if you are bitten by a Rattlesnake, you should immediately zap the wound with a stun gun. Yes, a stun gun! What I have heard, is that the extreme voltage breaks down the proteins to such a state that it renders the venom harmless and is absorbed by the body. Once again, I would research this before relying on it.
When I was in Africa they had this highly toxic plant which people ate when they were bitten by elapids. One guy claimed he was bitten by a black mamba 3 times and always survived because of that.
Great video and topic. Yeah, maybe it isn't as important of a topic as other survival theories, but it's one so many are curious about. The Coral Snake info was especially good to learn about for those of us here in Florida.
Dave why would keeping the limb AT heart level be better than below heart level? Also, why would antivenom be useless? What would be useless about it in the woods, as opposed to used in a hospital or by an emt? Carrying that antivenom would be useful.
Honey's got a lot of medicinal values. It has a lot of nutrients & is absorbed very quickly by the body. The sugar was useful for counteracting the poison? I would think that a lot of sugar would cause the runs. By-the-way, what did you mean you had a baby in your pocket?
Dave can you do a video on the dreaded mosquito, black flies and noseem's. Repellent reviews man made vs natural. More people become sick from bug bites than any other creature. Not to mention the black flies and mosquitoes in the Maine woods can drive a normal person insane if not prepared. I have retreated back to the car in the middle of the night for a couple hours sleep for some relief of the noseems getting into my tent on a couple of flyfishing trips in my younger days.
in this area in the upper midwest, timber rattlers are rarely found along the two big rivers and along the southern state line with missouri. I have seen more black widow spiders than poisonous snakes and that critter hitched a ride with a snowbird from arizona. I did have to play hopscotch with hatchling water moccasins while attending a military school in the great dismal swamp at DamNeck Virginia. They liked the warm sidewalk after dark. I dont pet Tigers and Lions either.
Dave, excellent video Brother, So many people take to the woods wearing NO ankle protection or worse wearing sandals while collecting firewood. Here in SW Ohio we do have an occasional timber rattler sighting as well as cottonmouth, but that's becoming less and less with the lost of habitat due to home building. Your schools property looks ideal for both, could you possibly do a video on snakes that look like the venomous ones, Like the water snake that's colored almost like a copperhead.
What's your thought on heat killing venom. Heat breaks down proteins and enzymes. Just processing things. Maybe hot packs with plantain. In a hypothetical survival situation.
Man, I'm in florida we got all 4 of these bad boys as well as some of the exotic ones from overseas like the king cobra & burmese python & others thanks to those rich fools in miami & south florida that thought foreign poisonous snakes made great pets. I respect snakes & try to back away & give space if I see one. If it won't let me though & appears aggresive like some of them sometimes do, I fall back to the only good snake is a dead snake & use my gun to dispatch it.
I see THIS is your 501ST Video Dave sorry for the last post, didn't see this one. I think you're RIGHT! Most people fear snakes way too much. I was a Boy Scout back in the 70's & have spent 35 yrs. hunting Ohio, Tenn. & Virginia taking hundreds of thousands of steps through Snake Havens & have only seen one Cotton Mouth/Water Moccasin (caught that one), and one Timber Rattler. So just to let people know. You can go years without seeing a poisonous snake, even in the snake's living rooms.
Hey Dave, great info! can you explain why you should hold the wound at heart level? i've heard to keep it below heart level. also, why not tourniquet? i've heard that it builds up pressure in your blood. also, what was the name of that plant that you mentioned? and where is it normally found?
Also, in no way am I suggesting that you replace an Epi-pen with Benadryl. If you have an Epi-pen, take that. If you can't get your hands on an Epi-pen, Benadryl is better than nothing.
It seems to me that most snake bites happen due to carelessness. Not watching where you're going.. not paying attention.. this might be how accidents happen as well. Great video Dave.. some good information. Thanks!
I have been bitten by copperheads on 3 separate occasions so far, and every time I have gotten the runs rather than vomiting. I have found that a massive infusion of sugar seems to help me. The first time I got bit was my fault( Had a baby in my pocket), and an Indian friend fed me honey to help me. Not sure why this works medically, but has been effective with me. Might just be a placebo effect.
You would have to carry anti-venom for each type of venomous snake in your area. Ex. Rattlesnake anti-venom would not work for a coral snake, etc... I believe the stuff has be kept at a refrigerated temperature as well and some types of anti-venom has to be administered multiple times over a certain period to work. I would say that there are so many variables it would be impractical to carry it, IMO...
Dave,I have been a paramedic for more than 25 years and have worked several snake bites. The majority of the information you have given is exactly what we have done for the patient.
a friend of mine was bitten by a cottonmouth years ago while hand fishing ,he was bitten in the legg and it was a good hour before he got to the hospital ER his legg turned black and swole up and became hard as a drum he was in the ICU for 3 days and took several weeks to recover and the doctors told him if he had waited any longer the poison might have killed him they measured the bite radius it was 22cm across so it was a large snake they told him
Great video Dave, I have to add one thing that people should really pay attention to. The allergic response. Difficulty breathing by swelling and not anxiety. Reason being, if you are not having a true allergic reaction the epipen will send your heart rate sky high and the body will be speeding.
For those who want more info about the EpiPen that Dave mentioned, see Wikipedia and search for "EpiPen". It requires a prescription in many places, so talk to your doctor about it and explain what it's for. Then you can ask about the shelf-life of EpiPens and it's appropriate use, possible side effects, etc.
I live in Louisiana and snakes are a fact of life for us down here...especially rattlesnakes and moccasins. Snake boots and some common sense have kept me bite free for 40 years. Can't go wrong with a good pair of snake boots.
Possible side effects are increased heart rate, head ache, increased blood pressure, dizziness, chest pain, and anxiety. Epi-pens are appropriate in anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is different from a minor allergic reaction, because it will cause airway inflammation and create breathing problems. The airway constriction is the dangerous part of anaphylactic shock, you can deal with all the other problems it causes and survive.
good stuff, legitimate bites from venomous snakes are very rare, like you said you have to work pretty hard and/or do something pretty stupid to get bit, like trying to handle, harrass or kill a snake in the wild. The only snakes yall have to worry about are the ones walkin around on two legs in urban areas.
Dave you are a good man and thank you for a very common sense approach to snakes.
This emphasizes how important it is for those of is who enjoy being outdoors to take a CPR/first aid class and to stay current. I've had to splint a friends broken leg and carry her out and I've had to treat bad cuts in the woods. You just never know what might happen.
Great advice, I work with snakes everyday and I feel that a lot of snakes get a bad rep through ignorance. If there are snakes where you live it is very important to educate yourselves on the species and the effects that an envenomation can have and how to react to a bite. Again great advice Dave
I went camping in the wichita mountains last weekend and jumped down into a pit of rattlers. They just rattled and went back into the rock crevice.
Dave i was wondering if you would be willing to make a segment on how things would change if you went into the more western part of the US such as the Mojave or Az ect. I think it would be cool to see how your kit would change, of course i wouldn't expect you to take a trip out west for a YT vid but as a segment it would be cool.
Snake bite rules: 1) Don't get bit! Watch where you put your hands & feet. 2) Don't play with venomous snakes! A high percentage of bites happen to idiots trying pick up a snake. 3) Wear good leather boots. Having a good pair of leather boots on saved my bacon once when I was a teenager! The heavy leather heal counter stopped a copperhead's fangs. 4) It's not a bad idea to carry a S.P.O.T. Satellite Tracker just in case. With it you can call in search & rescue from most anywhere on Earth.
Very informative presentation. One thing I would like to add, regarding anaphalaxis, is, if you do not have an epi-pen, an antihistamine like Benadryl would be the best alternative to the pen.
Who are these people who I always see voting good videos down all the time? What is their problem?
im in florida too. usually i use a double nine .22 revolver with rat shot when i walk around the territory. but glad to say ive only had to use it once for this 6 foot diamond back and it wasnt in self defence, it was for the meat and skin.
even he wanted to run away like they all do,
only way to get bit is to surprise the snake.
Thanks Dave. Good info and I had to erase from my memory bad advise that I received from my military training from back in the 1970s.
In the panhandle Texas area (by Amarillo) the only snakes we really have to worry about are Western Diamondbacks but like Dave said usually they will warn you if you are getting too close for comfort,to be honest though if you are carrying a gun while camping/bushcrafting and you come across a diamondback they are worth eating if you can kill them,and the skin when tanned makes good straps for bags and things like that.
Couple other things to consider carrying would be an asthma fast acting inhaler like Primatine available over the counter and a Sawyer extractor.
Dont panic? No way man, I would be freaking out!
Good info, thanks.
Thanks David for a very good class on an important subject. Here are some of my experiences with poisonous snakes:
I worked in the woods in Louisiana as a forestry tech for 6 years. I encountered rattlesnakes that didn't rattle until molested. I have encountered huge rattlesnakes with no rattles, apparently eaten off by rodents in winter. I encountered hundreds of what we called pilot rattlers, I assume they were pygmies but were actually quite large.... 10-12 inches long and sporting small rattles. Our most dangerous is the canebrake rattler; considered a sub-species of the timber rattler. Coral snakes are extremely fast and can disappear under pine straw or leaf litter faster than you can imagine. The snake I most dreaded was the copperhead due to it's general disposition....mean as hell as well as it's incredible camouflage. Laying on beech leaves they are nearly impossible to spot. One of our techs was bitten by a copperhead. We were cruising timber in the Atchafalaya basin and were wearing full snake leggings. The leggings covered the entire leg up to the crotch but had a small gap at the side of the knee for articulation. The snake was lying up in a palmetto and .....you guessed it....hit him right in the small gap at the knee.
Cottonmouths on the other hand seem less inclined to bite unless molested. Many times they would just lay there with their mouth open....even poking them with a stick would not elicit a strike most times. Cottonmouths have extremely good eyesight. Some can actually be arboreal....hanging by their tail in an S type position...apparently in some sort of ambush mode for birds, lizards etc. I have come face to face with them. Cottonmouths can be smelled from quite a distance if they see or sense you. They stink all to be damned. Best bet is to keep a sharp eye out and senses on high alert....leave them the hell alone. That's my 2 cents worth.
Thanks for this video. This not only provides knowledge about what to do in the event of a snake bite, but it also is sending a positive message about the snakes and respecting them. Like you said there is no reason to kill every snake you see. If you see it leave it be. You're in the woods, it was there first.
I know the topic is snakes, but I just read an article from the Toledo Blade that Black legged Ticks ( aka Deer Ticks) are spreading into eastern and southern ohio counties from pennsylvania. just thought I would mention it since we're most likely to bitten by ticks than snakes anyway while in the woods and grassy areas we like to play in.
I've never had that problem before. Usually I just stomp the ground and knock a tree with my knie when I get near water and i can hear and see them slithering away. It's a little scary that a snake would stay put because they are so well camoflauged.
I was solo hiking near Auburn, CA on the Hell Hole reservoir trail and came across a rattler, very small. I almost stepped on it while I was marking my territory. I didn't even know to look for them in this area. Do you know what kinds frequent the western sierra foothills?
snakes are out early this year in S.C. and its been making me a little paranoid thanks for that little tidbit of info
I did some internet searching after your comment and it seems there are conflicting studies. One says the extractor removes less than 2% of the venom. the other says it remove up to 35% if used with 3 minutes of the bite. There were feedback comments that it was immediately helpful for wasp stings. Extreme pain followed by relief within minutes of using th extractor. I can tell you from my own expereince with the unit, that it dramatically improves mosquito and spider bites if used quickly.
Perhaps you could speak about spider bites, I have recently picked up the hobby of Collecting Petrified wood in an area behind my house and have ran into Black widows a few times now.
Excellent, as always. If at some point you could do a companion discussion on western snakes, I would appreciate it. My uncle was killed by a western diamondback rattler, and so I am somewhat paranoid. At the same time, that was back in the 50's, and I have no idea what kind of medical attention, or likely lack thereof, was administered.
good video, and a lot of people need to know that most bites are from people messing with the snakes. ive studied snakes and many animals and have worked at two zoo's. you gave some great advice.
Dave I have seen canines in your videos from time to time...
I like to incorporate my dogs into my life as much as possible...
I worry about being out in the Bush and the dog gets bit by a snake, what do you recommend?
I like to say that 80% of snakebites are 100% deserved. I have stepped within the strike range of a rattlesnake without even realizing it was there, and it was perfectly content to let me mosey on by before it came out of hiding.
Regarding snakes in the Ohio River Valley, there are only three species that are venomous: Timber rattlesnakes, massasauga rattlesnakes and copperheads. Cottonmouths aren't present in Ohio, but you do start seeing them the closer you get to the Mississippi. Their range does not extend much further north than the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. As you go south, you'll enter eastern diamondback territory, and upon entering the deep south, you'll be in coral snake territory. But you don't start to see a great amount of biodiversity among venomous snakes until you start heading west. The southwestern United States is home to nearly half of all rattlesnake species, as well as two of our country's three coral snake species. In the northwestern US, you find only two species: C. oreganus (Pacific rattlesnake) and C. viridis (prairie rattlesnake). The Pacific rattlesnake has the greatest number of subspecies of all of America's rattlesnakes, and even among the same subspecies, they vary widely in color. With the prairie rattlesnake, if you've seen one, you've basically seen them all. The prairie rattlesnake has arguably the messiest bite of all rattlesnakes due to its venom being predominantly cytotoxic, but it is also among the shiest of all rattlesnakes. Prairie rattlesnakes are very reluctant to bite, and generally have very even temperaments. I'm just a beginning field herper, but the specimens I've come across so far have been reluctant to even rattle, let alone bite. Nonetheless, they are capable of delivering a very serious bite, and they deserve respect.
Obviously the first rule is get to a hospital and get the right antivenon, (identify the snake if at all possible!). But, if medical care is not immediately possible for some reason (having weathered hurricane Ike a few years ago I can tell you there was no medical care available in many areas. (phone and internet service of all kinds was out, some roads were impassible for several days until fallen trees could be removed) Then perhaps this thing could save a life by reducing the venom load.
By FAR the most informative and meaningful information I have ever been given about snakes. Thank You, thank you, thank you. You have answered every question I can remember having about snake bites. I might have to join a twelve step program for these videos... I can't stop! (not sure I want to)
as much as it is good that you voice your concerns and disclaimer trail boss... the voice of experience rings through in each and every one of your videos. you have 100% of my attention and trust.
Dave, I would like to add that out of my experience with the western cottonmouth, they are very timid snakes. I have had them run away from me from up to 10 feet away, and i have had one (unknowingly of course) about 6 inches away from my boot slither away faster than a bullet. Obviously, avoid them, but most of the time, they will avoid you first.
Funny thing is I was told by a retired survival instructor that majority of people who get bit by snakes are the people how try pick them up or try play with them. Dave's advice is great back away and leave them be.
By the way I love 5:00 "you have to pick one up and molest it to be bit by it"
Great video...having been bit by a copperhead and doing the whole cut and suck thing, i can tell you that is a very very bad idea. Instead of having one bite on the foot i ended up with another bite in my mouth, because the venom will absorb into your tounge and cheeks faster than your foot.
"epi-pen, POW!" had me laughing. Yet again great video Mr. Canterbury.
Why do you think this? It is sold as a venom extractor. Granted it will not remove it all, but certainly removes some and lessens the body's reaction. I have used it on other bites over the years and the vacuum it creates is quite impressive. It definitely pulls fluid from the site of the bite if you use it while the skin is still open at the bite site. (what else would you use it for? it has no other use that I am aware of)
Thank you for the clarification! Knowledge is everything!
In the Upstate of SC, copperheads are very prevalent. When the babies are born, you don't want to be walking around barefoot in the grass. I'm glad you told everyone not to cut and suck, or waste money on venom extractors. The best thing is to remain calm( to keep the heart rate down) and get to the hospital. Agree with you that avoidance is the best defense.
I'm an EMT from Texas where we have all 4 categories of these bad boys. I've never dealt with a snakebite personally; but for the allergic reaction part of it, what we treat those with is Epi, Benadryl (a histamine 1 blocker), and Tagamet (a histamine 2 blocker). One easy way to stop an allergic reaction in its tracks in the field is popping a couple of benadryl. I'm not sure if that would help with a snake bite though?
family from elkhorn ky- snake draw poltice is- shave a tblespoon bar soap,add tsp sugar and start working together- add human spit to make into a thick creamy paste- put on snake bite and wrap- change daily...hope this helps in case you have no plantain on hand- most have soap and sugar in their packs...
P:S: It has always seemed to me that areas that have venomous snakes are the areas I like to visit. If an area is void of snakes it is often a poor ecosystem lacking clean water or small game. Snakes aren't to be feared, but to be respected, excellent advice Brother.
This is exactly why I won't go into the Florida woods without a real good pair of knee high snake boots and some good ole common sense!
I came across and watched this video last night. This evening a friend was biten and I was able to pass this information along. Thank you your videos are awesome!
walking with a heavy foot and kicking logs before stepping over them makes snakes run away. Also crosing streams I've made them run by knocking on a tree with the back side of my knife. Stomping on the ground works to make them run. They can sence vibration and head for the hills.
I worry about one crawling up next to me at night and biting me as soon as I move, then again I have a major fear of snakes so I'm a bit paranoid. How likely is that to happen? I live in Texas so I don't sleep on the ground much if its not winter due to fire ants but I still wonder about it.
Dave, thanks for another excellent video. Again, 'common sense' prevails. I completely agree with the information you've shared. If you happen to have a snake bite situation, remain as calm as possible and get to or wait for medical help asap. Time is the key factor, don't waste it.
Im glad i watched this, just debunked all the bullshit about snakes in a few minutes, also ive been all over Alabama and ive never even seen a coral snake, ive seen more water moccasins than any of the four and ive never been chased by any of them.
"EpiPen POW" Exactly the way to describe it, Dave! lol I swear if I was any skinnier it would blow the other side of my leg off.
Great video Dave. Good info. I just moved to the Pacific North West (Southern Oregon) I know there are snakes here including some Rattlers but that's about all I know. Any chance you could talk about what's in my area?
THECREEEEPER, I was always taught that the use of a tourniquet doesn't do anything because the venom being in the blood, you would have to tie it so tight that you'll probably lose the limb, also the pressure built up will force the venom in the outer capillaries and make any necrosis that much worse. Grandpa might have been off his rocker but that was his advice.
Encountered a few prairie rattlers on the trail today here in Idaho. Gave the first ones space and walked on by but the trail narrowed dramatically and next time I heard that sound I had to dip. Sometimes you just can't avoid them. Better safe than sorry, especially when you're solo.
The extractor doesnt remove enough venom to really help you in the event of a venomous snake bite. And the package doesnt mention getting to the hospital, just use the extractor and your cured! Just dont want people to think that thing will save them.The only treatment for a snake bite is a set of car keys, and get to the hospital, where they can treat you with anti-venin if needed.
Do you think benadryl might help in a snakebite situation, Dave? With it being anti inflammatory and allergen aid.
I am originally from michigan... have family who lives just south of the mackinac bridge... I was un aware there was rattle snakes that far up north.... or poisonous snakes at all up there....I figured it would be too cold for them... I now live in southern Ill and let me tell you there are plenty of timber rattlers down here.... along with the copperheads an cottonmouths...
If you take some hairspray and spray on your whiteboard Dave it will clean all of that old residue from the dried up marker :)
I hiked the entire east coast Florida to Maine via florida trail and appalachian trail, seen many snakes, many rattlers, most will give you a fair warning others are very docile. Never got close to being bit but kept head on a swivel anyway. Corral snakes can be seen in gardens in Fl. Great info. Thank you.
hey brother unfortunatly in the part of texas i am in the rattle snakes dont always rattle its like you said you have to PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION to your surroundings and be very cautious. thanks brother keep up the great work
Out in the California woodlands, we pretty much only have rattle snakes. And they aren't an issue...Though I do draw the line when they try to move in. Back up in the foothills every couple of years one would end up under a couch or bed.
Dave, thanks for getting up every morning and doing these vids brother, very much aprecated.
I am in complete agreement...avoid, avoid, avoid. And by chance should I meet a snake, any snake, I'll give him back his territory by vacating his A/O.
Crushed charcoal applied to the snake bite area draws out some of the posion .
Don't want to speak for him, but in that situation the anaphylactic shock takes precident. The bite won't kill you in minutes but the shock will. Your airway will be closed off in a matter of minutes and you will die if you can't get aid.
Dave we are lucky here in Australia to have 10 out of the top 10 most venomous snakes in the world.But as you say its all about prevention cheers
I was back in the range on the family farm. I was shooting, I was told to always save some, but I didn't listen this time. I was lucky I was wearing my herming survivors work boots. I was walking back toward the house. I walked over a brown snake, I did not see it I felt something stike my boot. I turned around real fast, I saw the snake, I backed up slowly. I got home, I took my boots off, and looked and there was two even spaced dots on my the heal of the boot. I was lucky, man I tell you.
There's an easy way to tell the difference between a water moccasin (cottonmouth) and a non venomous water snake if it's in the water. A cottonmouth will swim with it's head raised well out of the water. The typical non venomous water snake will swim with it's head in the water or just slightly raised. In my area of Arkansas, the woods are thick with cottonmouth and copperhead. Sure was thoughtful of Game&Fish to import yet another venomous critter (Rattlesnake) to watch out for. Thanks Dave.
Great information, especially coming from one who has worked with the critters. Thanks Dave.
super video Dave,I am out here in Northern Northern California up near the Oregon border. I'm a stone's throw from the mountain called "Mount Shasta" (about 9 miles) great camping out there.take care my friend. Krisy
I've seen more cottonmouths than any other. Only encountered a copperhead a handful of times. I rarely run across a rattlesnake but when I do it's a big one. I've only seen 1 coral snake in 3 1/2 decades. Good video. This info doesn't get discussed enough.
Dave, You may want to research this, but I have heard, that if you are bitten by a Rattlesnake, you should immediately zap the wound with a stun gun. Yes, a stun gun! What I have heard, is that the extreme voltage breaks down the proteins to such a state that it renders the venom harmless and is absorbed by the body. Once again, I would research this before relying on it.
When I was in Africa they had this highly toxic plant which people ate when they were bitten by elapids. One guy claimed he was bitten by a black mamba 3 times and always survived because of that.
Great video and topic. Yeah, maybe it isn't as important of a topic as other survival theories, but it's one so many are curious about. The Coral Snake info was especially good to learn about for those of us here in Florida.
can a water moccasin bite you in the water?
Another great video dave.... Lifesaving info as always......
Very important information for every people that like nature and bushcraft. Would be great if you had used some illustration images. Thanks Dave!
Dave why would keeping the limb AT heart level be better than below heart level? Also, why would antivenom be useless? What would be useless about it in the woods, as opposed to used in a hospital or by an emt? Carrying that antivenom would be useful.
Dave, you are the Man!!!
Honey's got a lot of medicinal values. It has a lot of nutrients & is absorbed very quickly by the body. The sugar was useful for counteracting the poison? I would think that a lot of sugar would cause the runs. By-the-way, what did you mean you had a baby in your pocket?
Ticks, any insight into avoiding them? Again I am grateful for all of your shared experience.
Dave can you do a video on the dreaded mosquito, black flies and noseem's. Repellent reviews man made vs natural. More people become sick from bug bites than any other creature. Not to mention the black flies and mosquitoes in the Maine woods can drive a normal person insane if not prepared. I have retreated back to the car in the middle of the night for a couple hours sleep for some relief of the noseems getting into my tent on a couple of flyfishing trips in my younger days.
in this area in the upper midwest, timber rattlers are rarely found along the two big rivers and along the southern state line with missouri. I have seen more black widow spiders than poisonous snakes and that critter hitched a ride with a snowbird from arizona. I did have to play hopscotch with hatchling water moccasins while attending a military school in the great dismal swamp at DamNeck Virginia. They liked the warm sidewalk after dark. I dont pet Tigers and Lions either.
hes right. Try gettin a corn snake. They're nice and small. Even if it bites you, it really barely hurts at all.
Dave, excellent video Brother, So many people take to the woods wearing NO ankle protection or worse wearing sandals while collecting firewood. Here in SW Ohio we do have an occasional timber rattler sighting as well as cottonmouth, but that's becoming less and less with the lost of habitat due to home building. Your schools property looks ideal for both, could you possibly do a video on snakes that look like the venomous ones, Like the water snake that's colored almost like a copperhead.
Thanks greatly for this video, as I am in the mountains of lower PA and have run into a few
What's your thought on heat killing venom. Heat breaks down proteins and enzymes. Just processing things. Maybe hot packs with plantain. In a hypothetical survival situation.
Man, I'm in florida we got all 4 of these bad boys as well as some of the exotic ones from overseas like the king cobra & burmese python & others thanks to those rich fools in miami & south florida that thought foreign poisonous snakes made great pets. I respect snakes & try to back away & give space if I see one. If it won't let me though & appears aggresive like some of them sometimes do, I fall back to the only good snake is a dead snake & use my gun to dispatch it.
Excellent video, very informative. Do you have any firsthand experience with the Epipen trick?
sawyer extractor wont help for a venomous snake bite, but I am sure the contents have multiple purposes!
I see THIS is your 501ST Video Dave sorry for the last post, didn't see this one.
I think you're RIGHT! Most people fear snakes way too much. I was a Boy Scout back in the 70's & have spent 35 yrs. hunting Ohio, Tenn. & Virginia taking hundreds of thousands of steps through Snake Havens & have only seen one Cotton Mouth/Water Moccasin (caught that one), and one Timber Rattler. So just to let people know. You can go years without seeing a poisonous snake, even in the snake's living rooms.
Hey Dave, great info!
can you explain why you should hold the wound at heart level? i've heard to keep it below heart level. also, why not tourniquet? i've heard that it builds up pressure in your blood. also, what was the name of that plant that you mentioned? and where is it normally found?
Also, in no way am I suggesting that you replace an Epi-pen with Benadryl. If you have an Epi-pen, take that. If you can't get your hands on an Epi-pen, Benadryl is better than nothing.
Thank you!
It seems to me that most snake bites happen due to carelessness.
Not watching where you're going.. not paying attention.. this might be how accidents happen as well.
Great video Dave.. some good information.
Thanks!
I have been bitten by copperheads on 3 separate occasions so far, and every time I have gotten the runs rather than vomiting. I have found that a massive infusion of sugar seems to help me. The first time I got bit was my fault( Had a baby in my pocket), and an Indian friend fed me honey to help me. Not sure why this works medically, but has been effective with me. Might just be a placebo effect.
Learned a lot from that one, thanks Dave.
You would have to carry anti-venom for each type of venomous snake in your area. Ex. Rattlesnake anti-venom would not work for a coral snake, etc... I believe the stuff has be kept at a refrigerated temperature as well and some types of anti-venom has to be administered multiple times over a certain period to work. I would say that there are so many variables it would be impractical to carry it, IMO...
thanks i will replace the snake bite kit with an epi pen