Boy Scouts of America

Snake Bites

SUMMARY

The nature of our outdoor programs puts Scouts in the natural habitats of a variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes. The venomous snakes that live in the United States include coral snakes and pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths/ water moccasins). Snakes will usually try to avoid humans but may strike if they feel threatened. While many people are scared of snakes, some people have a desire to touch or closely examine snakes—often leading to snake bites. If you remain aware of your surroundings and wear the proper clothing for the environment (high-top leather boots, thick loose-fitting denim or canvas pants, and leather gloves are some examples), you can reduce the chances of being bitten.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Bites of non-venomous snakes are generally harmless to humans, though complications can arise if a tooth remains in the wound or an infection develops. The bite might look “U” shaped. Of an estimated 45,000 snake bites each year in the United States, about 8,000 are by venomous snakes, and the majority of these are from rattlesnakes. Venomous snake bites generally will have two fang marks unless the snake is missing a fang. Only about five deaths result annually from venomous snake bites. These deaths occurred because victims were delayed in receiving advanced medical treatment once they were bitten. Most snake bites happen when someone accidentally steps on the snake. Learn to identify the snakes in the areas of your activities, because the ability to identify the type of snake or the bite marks will help determine the potential severity of the bite and the care that is needed. If you are not sure whether the snake is venomous, assume it is and seek medical care.

CARE FOR SNAKE BITES

Care for a non-venomous snake bite is the same as for any minor wound: Wash with soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment— if you are not allergic—and apply a bandage.

For all venomous snake bites:

  • Get everyone away from the snake.
  • DO NOT try to capture the snake.
  • Keep the victim quiet.
  • Immobilize the injured part of the body.
  • Gently wash the bite with soap and water.
  • Seek medical care immediately!
  • Carry the victim out, if possible, because their reduced activity may slow the spread of the venom. If attempting to carry the victim delays care, then have them walk.
  • DO NOT delay getting the victim to emergency health care by taking time to do such things as cleaning the wound. That can be done on the way to the emergency department.

When caring for ANY venomous snake bites:

  • DO NOT cut the victim’s skin.
  • DO NOT use mouth suction or any other suction device.
  • DO NOT apply ice or cold packs.
  • DO NOT apply a compression bandage to any snake bite. It does not help and only slows the victim getting to advanced medical treatment.

When caring for a coral snake bite:

  • Treat the same as for a pit viper.
  • DO NOT apply a compression bandage.

RESOURCES

 

Reviewed March 8th 2024. 

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.