General

Most North American snakes do not attack or bite unless provoked. If you encounter a snake do not run. Remain calm and still – then back away slowly and carefully. In most cases, snakes will also back away.

Some ways to identify a venomous snake:

• Rattles at the end of the tail,
• Fangs in addition to their teeth,
• Facial pits between the nostrils and eyes,
• Vertical or elliptical pupils – non-venomous have round pupils,
• A single row of scales near the tip of the tail – non-venomous have two rows of scales.

Snake Bite Avoidance 

When camping, consider the following:

• Place your tent in a cleared area,
• Most venomous snakes are active on warm nights – never step out of your tent barefoot.
• Don’t sleep without a tent,
• Keep the tent zipped up tight at all times – even when you are not in it,
• Check your sleeping before crawling in,
• Wear proper foot gear – such as hiking boots,
• Avoid hiking in heavy brush,
• Don’t reach into dark places,
• Your body emits heat – this could attract a snake or a sasquatch (nothing else needs to be said)

Bitten By A Venomous Snake

Watch for the following symptoms:

• excessive sweating,
• fever,
• increased thirst,
• loss of muscle coordination,
• nausea and vomiting,
• numbness and tingling,
• rapid pulse,
• If there are signs of shock – lay the camper on the back, raise the feet about the heart, and cover with a blanket. Get medical help.
• bloody wound discharge,
• fang marks on the skin and swelling at the site of the bite,
• severe localized pain,
• diarrhea,
• burning,
• convulsions,
• fainting,
• dizziness,
• weakness,
• blurred vision,

Treatment

Seek medical assistance immediately. Consider the following:

• If the site begins to swell or change colour – the snake is probably poisonous,
• Do not cut into a snake bite and suck out the venom by mouth,
• Restrict movement – keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom,
• If you have a pump suction device – follow the manufacturer’s instructions,
• Remove any rings or constricting items – before the affected area begins to swell,
• Monitor vital signs,
• Lay the camper on its back – raise the feet and cover them with a blanket,
• Do not elevate the site of the bite above the level of the camper’s heart,
• Bring the dead snake – only if it is safe to do so,
• Do not apply a tourniquet or cold compress.