Lesson 4: BITES AND STINGS
REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN BITES
Ahh, here we are, at my favorite section of the lesson. I think I’m so interested in snakes and their venom because I’m so in awe (and so afraid) of these creatures. Let’s dive right in a see what we can learn about snakes, and a bit about poisonous amphibians. Let’s start with one of only two poisonous lizards (in the world!), and it happens to live right here in the US:
THE GILA MONSTER
The Gila (pronounced Hee-la) Monster is an 18-24 inch lizard that lives in southeastern California, southern Nevada, western Arizona, extreme southwestern Utah, and southwestern New Mexico. The Gila Monster is actually very pretty, with a black face and pink and/or orange spots and bands across its body. A single bite from a Gila Monster is unlikely to envenomate you. Rather, the Gila Monster needs to chew on its prey to release its venom. The best way to avoid a Gila Monster mistaking you for a snack is to STAY AWAY from them! If you do lose all perspective and pick one up, I hope you have someone else there to pull Gila off you! Be prepared for a struggle—Gila considers you food, and won’t let go without a fight. SYMPTOMS of a Gila Monster bite are, of course, a good-sized wound (refer to your new animal bites and wound care knowledge), and the symptoms of the venom:
- Pain (of course).
- Low blood pressure.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Swelling of the bite site.
- A rapid heart rate.
- Shortness of breath.
If a Gila Monster bites you seek medical attention immediately! Gila bites aren’t normally fatal, but you do want to prevent any complications that could arise from the venom, or the wound.
POISONOUS AMPHIBIANS
Many frogs, toads, and salamanders secrete poison through their skin. This poison can be extremely poisonous to humans our pets. The most poisonous frog known is the Poison-Dart Frog, so named because South American Indians used the poison in the tips of arrows used to kill animals. However, now that I’ve got you scared to death of the innocent little toad sitting outside in your garden, let me say that very rarely is “Poisonous Frog” listed on a death certificate. You can actually touch a poisonous frog or toad with no ill effects. It’s when the poison gets into your system, either by ingesting it, or by another entry point into the body (such as a cut on your hand that come into contact with the poison, or if you had some poison on your hands and then rubbed your eyes). Now, most toads in North America have some amount of poison in its skin, which is why your dog may become ill after eating a toad. If your dog ate an especially large toad, it may be best to see a veterinarian, since serious problems can arise. SYMPTOMS of amphibian poisoning vary by species, and actually most of the frogs and toads with which you may come into contact in the wild contain relatively weak poison that may cause only some mild skin irritation (this is assuming you won’t eat a toad you find in the woods). Some of the stronger toxins can produce a rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, and even affect the heart. The poison of the Poison-Dart Frog (remember, the most toxic of them all) can cause seizures, paralysis, and even death. If you experience any systemic effects after coming into contact with a toad or frog, call your doctor.
SNAKES!
There are two main types of poisonous snakes in the United States:
- PIT VIPERS: The Pit Viper family consists of rattlesnakes (found throughout the U.S.), water moccasins/cottonmouths (found in the Southern United States), and copperheads (found in the Eastern U.S.). Pit Vipers are responsible for 98% of poisonous snakebites in the United States.
- CORAL SNAKES: Found in the Appalachian Mountains, as well as the Southern and Southwestern United States, Coral snakes are often mistaken for two harmless, non-poisonous snakes found in the same areas: the Scarlet snake and the Scarlet Kingsnake. An old rhyme can help you remember the difference: “If red touches yellow, it can kill a fellow”. If you see a snake with bands of red bordering on bands of yellow, STAY AWAY.
SYMPTOMS OF A POISONOUS SNAKE BITE- Two small puncture marks in the skin.
- A burning sensation around the bite area.
- Swelling of the affected and surrounding areas.
- Dizziness and headache.
- A tingling feeling throughout the entire body.
- Sweating.
- Rapid pulse.
- Excessive thirst.
SYMPTOMS OF A CORAL SNAKE BITE (note: these symptoms may occur some time after the bite)- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech.
- Hallucinations.
- Convulsions.
FIRST AID FOR POISONOUS SNAKE BITES- CALL 911. Venomous snakebites can be fatal if not treated promptly.
- Position the victim comfortably and do not allow the victim to move around.
- Apply a sterile dressing or clean cloth over the wound.
- Immobilize the affected area (splint the joints above and below the wound) to limit blood flow from the site. But make sure you don’t tie the splint too tightly, and cut off all circulation!
DO NOT:- Attempt to suck out the venom by any method.
- Make any sort of incision on or around the bite.
- Allow the victim to eat or drink anything.
- Raise the affected area above heart level.
If you can, get a good look at the offending snake and give an accurate description as possible to emergency medical personnel, so they can get a good idea of what type of snake caused the bite.
