NC Leads Nation In Copperhead Snake Bites

RALEIGH, N.C. –

North Carolina leads the country in copperhead snake bites, according to Carolinas Poison Center.

Five venomous snakes call North Carolina home, including copperhead, cottonmouth, eastern diamondback, pygmy, and timber, but it’s the copperhead snake that causes the most bites.

According to CPC, in 2009, almost 500 snake bites were reported. Of those, 228 were identified as copperhead bites.

“Snake bites happen in urban and rural areas. Unfortunately, North Carolina has a high occurrence of snake bites because of the number of snakes we have native to our area,” said CPC Assistant Director, Anna Dulaney. “Pine straw, dried leaves, and wood piles are all popular hideouts for snakes.”

Bob Jankowski of Critter Control of the Triangle tells NBC-17 that snake calls are on the rise due to the heat. Jankowski says he removed a copperhead snake from a home in Cary Wednesday night.

The CPC provides the following tips to avoid snake bites:
• Make sure your home foundation area is clear of debris.
• Don’t allow shrubs to become overgrown.
• Don’t store wood piles right up against the house.
• Keep grass trimmed.
• Wear shoes when outside.
• If you see a snake, do not try to catch or kill it. Back away slowly and keep children or pets away until you don’t see the snake anymore.
• If you are bitten, don’t panic. Do not ice the wound or apply a tourniquet. Don’t cut the wound and attempt to suck out the venom. Do keep the bite site still and seek medical attention right away. Call the poison center if you have questions about snake bites.