Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites
By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2010
-
'If they can find mice and they can find
heat, they'll have a comfortable place,'
says Grover Barfield, education chairman
for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He
has suffered three venomous snakebites,
two from copperheads.
-
Mecklenburg County reported 28
copperhead bites in 2009, second only to
Wake's 49. This 22-inch snake was caught
in Cary on Wednesday. Often, copperheads
bite because they feel threatened. ETHAN
HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com
More Information
-
Clear debris away from the
foundation of your house.
Trim shrubs to keep them from
getting overgrown.
Avoid stacking wood near the
house.
Keep grass cut.
Wear shoes when outdoors.
Do not try to catch or kill
snakes.
-
Do not panic.
Do not apply ice.
Do not make a tourniquet.
Do not cut the wound and suck out
the venom.
Sit as still as possible after
calling for medical attention.
-
Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:
1. North Carolina
2. Texas
3. Virginia
Source:
Carolinas Poison Center
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to
water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of
his south Charlotte home. "Since I was barefoot, I
was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose
said. "Then - bam! - it happened."
Rose said he thought it was a bee until he
realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.
North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for
copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year.
Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions
brush against woods and creeks.
Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead
bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw
49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.
Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center,
said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so
far this year, Wake County has reported 25.
Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild
swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe
swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly,
causing tissue death.
Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can
experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the
way their blood clots, but she said such extreme
symptoms are rare.
Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C.
Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by
copperheads.
"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was
supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's
second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th,"
Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's
tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and
struck him.
"It was like a bee sting except three to five
times more painful, and I could feel the venom
spread to each of the joints in my hand."
Barfield said he excused himself from the class
and drove to the hospital. He went back later to
advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say
and leave them alone because they can hurt you."
Not all copperhead bite victims experience
symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will
"dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She
said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff
Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society
said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40
percent of bites are dry.
"They're not out to get people," Hall said.
"It's energetically expensive for them to bite
something they can't eat - like a human," he said.
Hall said copperhead bites are often the results
of snakes taking defensive measures when people get
too close.
Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said
copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in
partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks
likely places to get bitten.
He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12
copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.
Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural
litter around your house, as well as using a
chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads.
If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan
recommended, leave the animal alone and call a
professional.
Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been
bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that
put them in contact with the reptiles.
Hall said copperheads are by far the most
prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five
other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all
found either in the mountains or coastal plains.
Copperheads are the only venomous snake present
in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable
of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and
food.
Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate
professor at Davidson College, said that while
copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they
aren't typically aggressive and should just be
avoided or left alone.
"Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just
like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and
holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our
natural world."
 Subscribe
to The Charlotte Observer.
Read more:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites
By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2010
-
'If they can find mice and they can find
heat, they'll have a comfortable place,'
says Grover Barfield, education chairman
for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He
has suffered three venomous snakebites,
two from copperheads.
-
Mecklenburg County reported 28
copperhead bites in 2009, second only to
Wake's 49. This 22-inch snake was caught
in Cary on Wednesday. Often, copperheads
bite because they feel threatened. ETHAN
HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com
More Information
-
Clear debris away from the
foundation of your house.
Trim shrubs to keep them from
getting overgrown.
Avoid stacking wood near the
house.
Keep grass cut.
Wear shoes when outdoors.
Do not try to catch or kill
snakes.
-
Do not panic.
Do not apply ice.
Do not make a tourniquet.
Do not cut the wound and suck out
the venom.
Sit as still as possible after
calling for medical attention.
-
Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:
1. North Carolina
2. Texas
3. Virginia
Source:
Carolinas Poison Center
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to
water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of
his south Charlotte home. "Since I was barefoot, I
was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose
said. "Then - bam! - it happened."
Rose said he thought it was a bee until he
realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.
North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for
copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year.
Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions
brush against woods and creeks.
Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead
bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw
49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.
Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center,
said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so
far this year, Wake County has reported 25.
Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild
swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe
swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly,
causing tissue death.
Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can
experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the
way their blood clots, but she said such extreme
symptoms are rare.
Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C.
Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by
copperheads.
"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was
supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's
second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th,"
Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's
tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and
struck him.
"It was like a bee sting except three to five
times more painful, and I could feel the venom
spread to each of the joints in my hand."
Barfield said he excused himself from the class
and drove to the hospital. He went back later to
advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say
and leave them alone because they can hurt you."
Not all copperhead bite victims experience
symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will
"dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She
said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff
Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society
said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40
percent of bites are dry.
"They're not out to get people," Hall said.
"It's energetically expensive for them to bite
something they can't eat - like a human," he said.
Hall said copperhead bites are often the results
of snakes taking defensive measures when people get
too close.
Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said
copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in
partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks
likely places to get bitten.
He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12
copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.
Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural
litter around your house, as well as using a
chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads.
If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan
recommended, leave the animal alone and call a
professional.
Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been
bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that
put them in contact with the reptiles.
Hall said copperheads are by far the most
prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five
other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all
found either in the mountains or coastal plains.
Copperheads are the only venomous snake present
in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable
of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and
food.
Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate
professor at Davidson College, said that while
copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they
aren't typically aggressive and should just be
avoided or left alone.
"Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just
like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and
holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our
natural world."
Subscribe
to The Charlotte Observer.
Read more:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites
By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2010
-
'If they can find mice and they can find
heat, they'll have a comfortable place,'
says Grover Barfield, education chairman
for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He
has suffered three venomous snakebites,
two from copperheads.
-
Mecklenburg County reported 28
copperhead bites in 2009, second only to
Wake's 49. This 22-inch snake was caught
in Cary on Wednesday. Often, copperheads
bite because they feel threatened. ETHAN
HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com
More Information
-
Clear debris away from the
foundation of your house.
Trim shrubs to keep them from
getting overgrown.
Avoid stacking wood near the
house.
Keep grass cut.
Wear shoes when outdoors.
Do not try to catch or kill
snakes.
-
Do not panic.
Do not apply ice.
Do not make a tourniquet.
Do not cut the wound and suck out
the venom.
Sit as still as possible after
calling for medical attention.
-
Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:
1. North Carolina
2. Texas
3. Virginia
Source:
Carolinas Poison Center
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to
water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of
his south Charlotte home. "Since I was barefoot, I
was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose
said. "Then - bam! - it happened."
Rose said he thought it was a bee until he
realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.
North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for
copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year.
Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions
brush against woods and creeks.
Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead
bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw
49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.
Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center,
said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so
far this year, Wake County has reported 25.
Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild
swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe
swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly,
causing tissue death.
Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can
experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the
way their blood clots, but she said such extreme
symptoms are rare.
Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C.
Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by
copperheads.
"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was
supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's
second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th,"
Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's
tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and
struck him.
"It was like a bee sting except three to five
times more painful, and I could feel the venom
spread to each of the joints in my hand."
Barfield said he excused himself from the class
and drove to the hospital. He went back later to
advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say
and leave them alone because they can hurt you."
Not all copperhead bite victims experience
symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will
"dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She
said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff
Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society
said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40
percent of bites are dry.
"They're not out to get people," Hall said.
"It's energetically expensive for them to bite
something they can't eat - like a human," he said.
Hall said copperhead bites are often the results
of snakes taking defensive measures when people get
too close.
Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said
copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in
partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks
likely places to get bitten.
He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12
copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.
Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural
litter around your house, as well as using a
chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads.
If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan
recommended, leave the animal alone and call a
professional.
Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been
bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that
put them in contact with the reptiles.
Hall said copperheads are by far the most
prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five
other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all
found either in the mountains or coastal plains.
Copperheads are the only venomous snake present
in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable
of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and
food.
Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate
professor at Davidson College, said that while
copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they
aren't typically aggressive and should just be
avoided or left alone.
"Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just
like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and
holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our
natural world."
Subscribe
to The Charlotte Observer.
Read more:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites
By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2010
-
'If they can find mice and they can find
heat, they'll have a comfortable place,'
says Grover Barfield, education chairman
for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He
has suffered three venomous snakebites,
two from copperheads.
-
Mecklenburg County reported 28
copperhead bites in 2009, second only to
Wake's 49. This 22-inch snake was caught
in Cary on Wednesday. Often, copperheads
bite because they feel threatened. ETHAN
HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com
More Information
-
Clear debris away from the
foundation of your house.
Trim shrubs to keep them from
getting overgrown.
Avoid stacking wood near the
house.
Keep grass cut.
Wear shoes when outdoors.
Do not try to catch or kill
snakes.
-
Do not panic.
Do not apply ice.
Do not make a tourniquet.
Do not cut the wound and suck out
the venom.
Sit as still as possible after
calling for medical attention.
-
Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:
1. North Carolina
2. Texas
3. Virginia
Source:
Carolinas Poison Center
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to
water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of
his south Charlotte home. "Since I was barefoot, I
was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose
said. "Then - bam! - it happened."
Rose said he thought it was a bee until he
realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.
North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for
copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year.
Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions
brush against woods and creeks.
Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead
bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw
49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.
Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center,
said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so
far this year, Wake County has reported 25.
Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild
swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe
swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly,
causing tissue death.
Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can
experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the
way their blood clots, but she said such extreme
symptoms are rare.
Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C.
Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by
copperheads.
"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was
supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's
second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th,"
Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's
tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and
struck him.
"It was like a bee sting except three to five
times more painful, and I could feel the venom
spread to each of the joints in my hand."
Barfield said he excused himself from the class
and drove to the hospital. He went back later to
advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say
and leave them alone because they can hurt you."
Not all copperhead bite victims experience
symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will
"dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She
said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff
Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society
said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40
percent of bites are dry.
"They're not out to get people," Hall said.
"It's energetically expensive for them to bite
something they can't eat - like a human," he said.
Hall said copperhead bites are often the results
of snakes taking defensive measures when people get
too close.
Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said
copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in
partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks
likely places to get bitten.
He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12
copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.
Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural
litter around your house, as well as using a
chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads.
If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan
recommended, leave the animal alone and call a
professional.
Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been
bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that
put them in contact with the reptiles.
Hall said copperheads are by far the most
prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five
other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all
found either in the mountains or coastal plains.
Copperheads are the only venomous snake present
in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable
of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and
food.
Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate
professor at Davidson College, said that while
copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they
aren't typically aggressive and should just be
avoided or left alone.
"Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just
like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and
holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our
natural world."
Subscribe
to The Charlotte Observer.
Read more:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead
bites
By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2010
-
'If they can find mice and they
can find heat, they'll have a
comfortable place,' says Grover
Barfield, education chairman for
the N.C. Herpetological Society.
He has suffered three venomous
snakebites, two from
copperheads.
-
Mecklenburg County reported 28
copperhead bites in 2009, second
only to Wake's 49. This 22-inch
snake was caught in Cary on
Wednesday. Often, copperheads
bite because they feel
threatened. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com
More Information
-
Clear debris away from
the foundation of your house.
Trim shrubs to keep them
from getting overgrown.
Avoid stacking wood near
the house.
Keep grass cut.
Wear shoes when outdoors.
Do not try to catch or
kill snakes.
-
Do not panic.
Do not apply ice.
Do not make a tourniquet.
Do not cut the wound and
suck out the venom.
Sit as still as possible
after calling for medical
attention.
-
Top states for copperhead bites
in 2009: 1. North Carolina
2. Texas
3. Virginia
Source: Carolinas Poison Center
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking
to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden
backyard of his south Charlotte home.
"Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the
ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then
- bam! - it happened."
Rose said he thought it was a bee until
he realized he'd been struck by a
copperhead.
North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for
copperhead bites, with 228 documented last
year. Most came in urban counties, where
subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.
Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported
copperhead bites last year, trailed only
Wake County, which saw 49, according to
Carolinas Poison Center statistics.
Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison
center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported
copperhead bites so far this year, Wake
County has reported 25.
Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary
from mild swelling and bruising around the
bite site to severe swelling and
discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing
tissue death.
Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can
experience drops in blood pressure or
changes in the way their blood clots, but
she said such extreme symptoms are rare.
Grover Barfield, education chair of the
N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten
twice by copperheads.
"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was
supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's
second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th,"
Barfield said. He said he was holding the
snake's tail when he dropped its head. It
recoiled and struck him.
"It was like a bee sting except three to
five times more painful, and I could feel
the venom spread to each of the joints in my
hand."
Barfield said he excused himself from the
class and drove to the hospital. He went
back later to advise the kids to "not do as
I do but do as I say and leave them alone
because they can hurt you."
Not all copperhead bite victims
experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes
the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without
injecting venom. She said most of those
bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall,
president of the N.C. Herpetological Society
said studies of copperhead bites show up to
40 percent of bites are dry.
"They're not out to get people," Hall
said.
"It's energetically expensive for them to
bite something they can't eat - like a
human," he said.
Hall said copperhead bites are often the
results of snakes taking defensive measures
when people get too close.
Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in
Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in
leaves or grass in partially sunny areas,
making golf courses and parks likely places
to get bitten.
He said Critter Control has handled 10 or
12 copperheads, mostly in the south
Charlotte area.
Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and
natural litter around your house, as well as
using a chemical repellent, will help ward
off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with
a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave
the animal alone and call a professional.
Both Hall and Sullivan said they have
never been bitten by a copperhead, despite
having careers that put them in contact with
the reptiles.
Hall said copperheads are by far the most
prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg -
the five other types of pit viper in North
Carolina are all found either in the
mountains or coastal plains.
Copperheads are the only venomous snake
present in all 100 counties in the state.
They are capable of living anywhere they can
find shelter, water and food.
Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and
associate professor at Davidson College,
said that while copperheads do present a
threat when provoked, they aren't typically
aggressive and should just be avoided or
left alone.
"Sure, you've got to watch out for them,
just like you've got to watch out for
hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he
said. "They're part of our natural world."
Subscribe
to The Charlotte Observer.
Read more:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead
bites
By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2010
-
'If they can find mice and they
can find heat, they'll have a
comfortable place,' says Grover
Barfield, education chairman for
the N.C. Herpetological Society.
He has suffered three venomous
snakebites, two from
copperheads.
-
Mecklenburg County reported 28
copperhead bites in 2009, second
only to Wake's 49. This 22-inch
snake was caught in Cary on
Wednesday. Often, copperheads
bite because they feel
threatened. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com
More Information
-
Clear debris away from
the foundation of your house.
Trim shrubs to keep them
from getting overgrown.
Avoid stacking wood near
the house.
Keep grass cut.
Wear shoes when outdoors.
Do not try to catch or
kill snakes.
-
Do not panic.
Do not apply ice.
Do not make a tourniquet.
Do not cut the wound and
suck out the venom.
Sit as still as possible
after calling for medical
attention.
-
Top states for copperhead bites
in 2009: 1. North Carolina
2. Texas
3. Virginia
Source: Carolinas Poison Center
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking
to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden
backyard of his south Charlotte home.
"Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the
ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then
- bam! - it happened."
Rose said he thought it was a bee until
he realized he'd been struck by a
copperhead.
North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for
copperhead bites, with 228 documented last
year. Most came in urban counties, where
subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.
Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported
copperhead bites last year, trailed only
Wake County, which saw 49, according to
Carolinas Poison Center statistics.
Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison
center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported
copperhead bites so far this year, Wake
County has reported 25.
Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary
from mild swelling and bruising around the
bite site to severe swelling and
discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing
tissue death.
Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can
experience drops in blood pressure or
changes in the way their blood clots, but
she said such extreme symptoms are rare.
Grover Barfield, education chair of the
N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten
twice by copperheads.
"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was
supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's
second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th,"
Barfield said. He said he was holding the
snake's tail when he dropped its head. It
recoiled and struck him.
"It was like a bee sting except three to
five times more painful, and I could feel
the venom spread to each of the joints in my
hand."
Barfield said he excused himself from the
class and drove to the hospital. He went
back later to advise the kids to "not do as
I do but do as I say and leave them alone
because they can hurt you."
Not all copperhead bite victims
experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes
the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without
injecting venom. She said most of those
bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall,
president of the N.C. Herpetological Society
said studies of copperhead bites show up to
40 percent of bites are dry.
"They're not out to get people," Hall
said.
"It's energetically expensive for them to
bite something they can't eat - like a
human," he said.
Hall said copperhead bites are often the
results of snakes taking defensive measures
when people get too close.
Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in
Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in
leaves or grass in partially sunny areas,
making golf courses and parks likely places
to get bitten.
He said Critter Control has handled 10 or
12 copperheads, mostly in the south
Charlotte area.
Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and
natural litter around your house, as well as
using a chemical repellent, will help ward
off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with
a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave
the animal alone and call a professional.
Both Hall and Sullivan said they have
never been bitten by a copperhead, despite
having careers that put them in contact with
the reptiles.
Hall said copperheads are by far the most
prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg -
the five other types of pit viper in North
Carolina are all found either in the
mountains or coastal plains.
Copperheads are the only venomous snake
present in all 100 counties in the state.
They are capable of living anywhere they can
find shelter, water and food.
Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and
associate professor at Davidson College,
said that while copperheads do present a
threat when provoked, they aren't typically
aggressive and should just be avoided or
left alone.
"Sure, you've got to watch out for them,
just like you've got to watch out for
hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he
said. "They're part of our natural world."
Subscribe
to The Charlotte Observer.
Read more:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead
bites
By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2010
-
'If they can find mice and they
can find heat, they'll have a
comfortable place,' says Grover
Barfield, education chairman for
the N.C. Herpetological Society.
He has suffered three venomous
snakebites, two from
copperheads.
-
Mecklenburg County reported 28
copperhead bites in 2009, second
only to Wake's 49. This 22-inch
snake was caught in Cary on
Wednesday. Often, copperheads
bite because they feel
threatened. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com
More Information
-
Clear debris away from
the foundation of your house.
Trim shrubs to keep them
from getting overgrown.
Avoid stacking wood near
the house.
Keep grass cut.
Wear shoes when outdoors.
Do not try to catch or
kill snakes.
-
Do not panic.
Do not apply ice.
Do not make a tourniquet.
Do not cut the wound and
suck out the venom.
Sit as still as possible
after calling for medical
attention.
-
Top states for copperhead bites
in 2009: 1. North Carolina
2. Texas
3. Virginia
Source: Carolinas Poison Center
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking
to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden
backyard of his south Charlotte home.
"Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the
ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then
- bam! - it happened."
Rose said he thought it was a bee until
he realized he'd been struck by a
copperhead.
North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for
copperhead bites, with 228 documented last
year. Most came in urban counties, where
subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.
Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported
copperhead bites last year, trailed only
Wake County, which saw 49, according to
Carolinas Poison Center statistics.
Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison
center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported
copperhead bites so far this year, Wake
County has reported 25.
Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary
from mild swelling and bruising around the
bite site to severe swelling and
discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing
tissue death.
Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can
experience drops in blood pressure or
changes in the way their blood clots, but
she said such extreme symptoms are rare.
Grover Barfield, education chair of the
N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten
twice by copperheads.
"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was
supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's
second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th,"
Barfield said. He said he was holding the
snake's tail when he dropped its head. It
recoiled and struck him.
"It was like a bee sting except three to
five times more painful, and I could feel
the venom spread to each of the joints in my
hand."
Barfield said he excused himself from the
class and drove to the hospital. He went
back later to advise the kids to "not do as
I do but do as I say and leave them alone
because they can hurt you."
Not all copperhead bite victims
experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes
the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without
injecting venom. She said most of those
bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall,
president of the N.C. Herpetological Society
said studies of copperhead bites show up to
40 percent of bites are dry.
"They're not out to get people," Hall
said.
"It's energetically expensive for them to
bite something they can't eat - like a
human," he said.
Hall said copperhead bites are often the
results of snakes taking defensive measures
when people get too close.
Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in
Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in
leaves or grass in partially sunny areas,
making golf courses and parks likely places
to get bitten.
He said Critter Control has handled 10 or
12 copperheads, mostly in the south
Charlotte area.
Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and
natural litter around your house, as well as
using a chemical repellent, will help ward
off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with
a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave
the animal alone and call a professional.
Both Hall and Sullivan said they have
never been bitten by a copperhead, despite
having careers that put them in contact with
the reptiles.
Hall said copperheads are by far the most
prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg -
the five other types of pit viper in North
Carolina are all found either in the
mountains or coastal plains.
Copperheads are the only venomous snake
present in all 100 counties in the state.
They are capable of living anywhere they can
find shelter, water and food.
Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and
associate professor at Davidson College,
said that while copperheads do present a
threat when provoked, they aren't typically
aggressive and should just be avoided or
left alone.
"Sure, you've got to watch out for them,
just like you've got to watch out for
hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he
said. "They're part of our natural world."
Subscribe
to The Charlotte Observer.
Read more:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead
bites
By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2010
-
'If they can find mice and they
can find heat, they'll have a
comfortable place,' says Grover
Barfield, education chairman for
the N.C. Herpetological Society.
He has suffered three venomous
snakebites, two from
copperheads.
-
Mecklenburg County reported 28
copperhead bites in 2009, second
only to Wake's 49. This 22-inch
snake was caught in Cary on
Wednesday. Often, copperheads
bite because they feel
threatened. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com
More Information
-
Clear debris away from
the foundation of your house.
Trim shrubs to keep them
from getting overgrown.
Avoid stacking wood near
the house.
Keep grass cut.
Wear shoes when outdoors.
Do not try to catch or
kill snakes.
-
Do not panic.
Do not apply ice.
Do not make a tourniquet.
Do not cut the wound and
suck out the venom.
Sit as still as possible
after calling for medical
attention.
-
Top states for copperhead bites
in 2009: 1. North Carolina
2. Texas
3. Virginia
Source: Carolinas Poison Center
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking
to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden
backyard of his south Charlotte home.
"Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the
ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then
- bam! - it happened."
Rose said he thought it was a bee until
he realized he'd been struck by a
copperhead.
North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for
copperhead bites, with 228 documented last
year. Most came in urban counties, where
subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.
Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported
copperhead bites last year, trailed only
Wake County, which saw 49, according to
Carolinas Poison Center statistics.
Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison
center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported
copperhead bites so far this year, Wake
County has reported 25.
Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary
from mild swelling and bruising around the
bite site to severe swelling and
discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing
tissue death.
Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can
experience drops in blood pressure or
changes in the way their blood clots, but
she said such extreme symptoms are rare.
Grover Barfield, education chair of the
N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten
twice by copperheads.
"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was
supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's
second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th,"
Barfield said. He said he was holding the
snake's tail when he dropped its head. It
recoiled and struck him.
"It was like a bee sting except three to
five times more painful, and I could feel
the venom spread to each of the joints in my
hand."
Barfield said he excused himself from the
class and drove to the hospital. He went
back later to advise the kids to "not do as
I do but do as I say and leave them alone
because they can hurt you."
Not all copperhead bite victims
experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes
the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without
injecting venom. She said most of those
bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall,
president of the N.C. Herpetological Society
said studies of copperhead bites show up to
40 percent of bites are dry.
"They're not out to get people," Hall
said.
"It's energetically expensive for them to
bite something they can't eat - like a
human," he said.
Hall said copperhead bites are often the
results of snakes taking defensive measures
when people get too close.
Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in
Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in
leaves or grass in partially sunny areas,
making golf courses and parks likely places
to get bitten.
He said Critter Control has handled 10 or
12 copperheads, mostly in the south
Charlotte area.
Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and
natural litter around your house, as well as
using a chemical repellent, will help ward
off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with
a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave
the animal alone and call a professional.
Both Hall and Sullivan said they have
never been bitten by a copperhead, despite
having careers that put them in contact with
the reptiles.
Hall said copperheads are by far the most
prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg -
the five other types of pit viper in North
Carolina are all found either in the
mountains or coastal plains.
Copperheads are the only venomous snake
present in all 100 counties in the state.
They are capable of living anywhere they can
find shelter, water and food.
Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and
associate professor at Davidson College,
said that while copperheads do present a
threat when provoked, they aren't typically
aggressive and should just be avoided or
left alone.
"Sure, you've got to watch out for them,
just like you've got to watch out for
hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he
said. "They're part of our natural world."
Subscribe
to The Charlotte Observer.
Read more:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
 |
Hissss: N.C. is No. 1
state for copperhead bites
By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2010
|
'If they can find mice and they can find heat,
they'll have a comfortable place,' says Grover Barfield,
education chairman for the N.C. Herpetological Society.
He has suffered three venomous snakebites, two from
copperheads. Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago,
walking to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden
backyard of his south Charlotte home. "Since I was
barefoot, I was walking on the ivy to keep my feet
clean," Rose said. "Then - bam! - it happened."
Rose said he thought it was a bee until he realized he'd
been struck by a copperhead. North Carolina is No.
1 in the nation for copperhead bites, with 228
documented last year. Most came in urban counties, where
subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.
Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead bites
last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw 49,
according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.
Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center, said
Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so far this
year, Wake County has reported 25.
Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild swelling
and bruising around the bite site to severe swelling and
discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing tissue
death. Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can
experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the way
their blood clots, but she said such extreme symptoms
are rare. Grover Barfield, education chair of the
N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by
copperheads.
"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was supposed to do
a show-and-tell at my son's second-grade class. It was
Friday the 13th," Barfield said. He said he was holding
the snake's tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled
and struck him. "It was like a bee sting except
three to five times more painful, and I could feel the
venom spread to each of the joints in my hand."
Barfield said he excused himself from the class and
drove to the hospital. He went back later to advise the
kids to "not do as I do but do as I say and leave them
alone because they can hurt you."
Not all copperhead bite victims experience symptoms.
Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will "dry bite," or
bite without injecting venom. She said most of those
bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall, president of the
N.C. Herpetological Society said studies of copperhead
bites show up to 40 percent of bites are dry.
"They're not out to get people," Hall said. "It's
energetically expensive for them to bite something they
can't eat - like a human," he said. Hall said
copperhead bites are often the results of snakes taking
defensive measures when people get too close.
Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said
copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in partially
sunny areas, making golf courses and parks likely places
to get bitten. He said Critter Control has handled
10 or 12 copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte
area. Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and
natural litter around your house, as well as using a
chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads. If
you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan
recommended, leave the animal alone and call a
professional. Both Hall and Sullivan said they
have never been bitten by a copperhead, despite having
careers that put them in contact with the reptiles.
Hall said copperheads are by far the most prevalent
venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five other types of
pit viper in North Carolina are all found either in the
mountains or coastal plains. Copperheads are the
only venomous snake present in all 100 counties in the
state. They are capable of living anywhere they can find
shelter, water and food.
Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate professor at
Davidson College, said that while copperheads do present
a threat when provoked, they aren't typically aggressive
and should just be avoided or left alone. "Sure,
you've got to watch out for them, just like you've got
to watch out for hornets' nests and holes in your yard,"
he said. "They're part of our natural world."
Read more:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
Tips for
avoiding snakebites
Clear debris away from the foundation of your
house.
Trim shrubs to keep them from getting overgrown.
Avoid stacking wood near the house.
Keep grass cut.
Wear shoes when outdoors.
Do not try to catch or kill snakes.
|
If you are
bitten
Do not panic.
Do not apply ice.
Do not make a tourniquet.
Do not cut the wound and suck out the venom.
Sit as still as possible after calling for
medical attention.
|
Where are they?
Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:
1. North Carolina
2. Texas
3. Virginia
Source: Carolinas Poison Center
|
|
|
