Venomous snakes of Georgia and South Carolina pose little threat to humans who learn to observe them but otherwise leave them alone. Lightning kills many more people every year than snakes do, and the probability of dying in a car accident far exceeds the chance of even being bitten by a venomous snake. By one account, several thousand people are bitten by venomous snakes each year in the United States, but fewer than 10 of these bites actually result in deaths. Also, as many as half of all bites by venomous snakes are mild or “dry” bites in which little or no venom is injected.
Snakes do not hunt humans; we are not their natural prey and are far too large for any U.S. species to eat. Thus, they have no reason to bite us unless provoked. Snakebites occur when a snake is frightened and we force it to react in self-defense instead of allowing it to escape.
More than half of U.S. snakebite victims were bitten while handling the snake, and more than two-thirds saw the snake before being bitten, but attempted to kill, capture, or harass it. Or they failed to move away or maintain a safe distance. In most of these situations, snakebite would have been easily prevented by exercising good judgment.
Certain activities can increase one’s chance of getting bitten by a venomous snake. Logs, vegetation, rocks, and other materials provide shelter to snakes and the food they eat. Be cautious when moving such materials and avoid placing your hands or feet where a snake could be hiding. Proper footwear, such as leather boots, can provide protection from snakebites by preventing the fangs of a snake from coming into contact with your feet or legs.
Never pick up a snake unless you are absolutely certain it is non-venomous. Young snakes are sometimes difficult to identify and their small size can give the false impression that they are harmless. Furthermore, occasional snakebites have resulted from snakes presumed to be dead. An injured, but still-alive snake, may strike unexpectedly.
By following these common sense rules, you can enjoy the outdoors without becoming a snakebite victim.
