As the temperature goes up, the snake population across the Carolinas will surface, something that poses a potential danger to people, especially children, experts said.
“You’re going to see them sunning because they’re going to be coming out of hibernation,” said veterinarian Dr. Tony Holtzclaw of Blue Ridge Animal Hospital in Greer, SC. “In another couple of week when it’s 90 degrees outside, you need to be a little more careful because that snake could come and get you.”
There are several species of venomous snakes in South Carolina, including the Coral Snake, the Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake. Most of the snakes in the Palmetto State aren’t lethal, but can still cause a medical emergency.
Holtzclaw said the warmer weather tends to make snakes more aggressive and mobile.
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“The biggest thing is to get to a hospital as quickly as possible,” said Holtzclaw. “If you want to, you can take a marker, mark where the bite was, but that is just going to help healthcare professionals monitor the swelling.”
Holtclaw said attempting to suck the venom out and tying a tourniquet around the wound will not help. He said the only remedy is anti-venom, which is available at the emergency room.
Take a look at our “Snakes of SC, NC, & GA” photo gallery to see what could be in your area.
