Avoiding and Handling Venomous Snakebites in Wisconsin (and Elsewhere)!

In Wisconsin, there are only two species of native, or indigenous venomous snakes, the Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus), and the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), both of which are shy, and secretive species that rely on their coloration and patterning to avoid being detected. Both of these species have their own, very specific habitat, overwintering, and natural ranges in the state of Wisconsin, and thus are not likely to be seen or encountered by most casual observers, unless one happens to know specifically where and how to look for them. Generally speaking, both species of these venomous snakes, as well as other venomous snakes, are also not aggressive animals, and do not “chase” people, or are willing to strike and bite unless deliberately harassed or cornered. Instead, these snakes rely much more heavily on their cryptic appearances while remaining motionless in order to avoid being seen in the first place, or prefer to flee and retreat rather than to confront a larger threat.

Fortunately, snakebites in Wisconsin, as well as in many other areas, are, and have been extremely rare events, and deaths due to snakebites are perhaps even rarer. In Wisconsin, only one documented snakebite fatality has been recorded since the year 1900. Elsewhere in the United States, while there may be as many as 7,000 to 8,000 bites per year in areas where venomous species are more common and widespread, there are only about 5 to 6 venomous snakebite deaths, or fatalities in the U.S. each year, which amounts to odds of only roughly one in 50 million of dying from a venomous snakebite. To further put this into perspective, one is nine times more likely to be struck by lightning than to die from a venomous snakebite, while the odds of dying in automobile crashes or accidents are 1  in 107, accidental trips or falls 1  in 106, choking on food 1 in 2,535, or bicycle and motorcycle accidents 1 in 899.

Studies and research have shown that a fear of snakes, which is known as “ophidiophobia”, is a learned behavior, and one which has unfortunately been widely perpetuated through myths, misperceptions, and misrepresentations of these animals. Both of Wisconsin’s venomous snake species were historically widespread and abundant over much of the southern two thirds of the state, but due to this widespread fear and persecution, as well as bounties in the state of Wisconsin which took place up from European colonization until 1975, have caused rapid declines in both of these species, to where now, their ranges, and/or population sizes have been greatly reduced from before. All snakes, however, both venomous and nonvenomous species, are extremely beneficial to our ecosystems, and as knowledge, understanding, and awareness of these species continues to increase and improve, more people will hopefully begin to change their minds and their perceptions of these animals in Wisconsin, and elsewhere.

More people and organizations interested in learning more about these snakes will in turn help better ensure their survival in the wild while promoting their conservation, and only through this form of citizen science can more efforts be made to track and record sightings, mortalities, and other areas of conservation interest and concern, while better protecting these species. This educational article will cover preventative measures to avoid being bitten by a venomous snake in the wild, as well as courses of action, and the do’s and don’ts in the rare event of a bite, or envenomation.

Venomous Snakebite Symptoms

If one is bitten by a venomous snake, or has reason to believe that one has without actually visually seeing the snake, it is always best to seek immediate medical care and attention. Don’t wait for signs or symptoms to appear. Signs and symptoms of a venomous snakebite can be quite variable, depending on the species of snake, the nature of its venom, and individual bodily reactions to the venom. Some of the most common signs and symptoms, however, can include, but are certainly not limited to:

-Puncture wounds at the bite site. Although it is commonly believed that venomous snake bites cause two puncture wounds for each fang, this is not always true. Venomous snakes can puncture and envenomate with only one fang, or one or more of their fangs may have been lost or are capable of regrowth. Don’t rely solely on the number of puncture wounds, bite or tooth patterns, etc. to distinguish between a venomous vs. non-venomous snakebite.

-Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, and/or blistering at or around the bite site.
-Tissue damage and destruction; blackened or discolored areas begin at or near the bite site.
-Severe pain and tenderness at or around the area of the bite.
-Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Fever or chills.
-Shortened or labored breathing (or in extreme cases, stopped breathing altogether).
-Rapid or increased heart rate, weakened pulse, or lowered blood pressure.
-Anaphylactic shock, or an extreme allergic reaction to the bite or the venom.
-Numbness, throbbing, or tingling, or “burning” sensation at or around the bite site, or other areas of the body.
-Muscular spasms or twitching, or muscle weakness in response to the venom.
-Increased salivation and/or sweating or perspiration.
-Blurred or decreased vision, dizziness or light headedness, or headaches.
-Abnormal blood clotting and bleeding. Hemorrhaging, to impaired kidney function or failure.

Cytotoxins: Cause swelling and tissue damage to the area(s) bitten.
Haemorrhagins: Disrupt the blood vessels.
Neurotoxins: Cause paralysis or other damage to the nervous system.
Myotoxins: Break down muscles.
Hematotoxins: Destroy red blood cells, disrupt blood clotting, and/or cause organ degeneration and generalized tissue damage.

Steps to Take To Avoid Venomous Snakebites:

 1. Always be aware of one’s actions and surroundings whenever hiking, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, particularly when in areas where there may be one or more native species of venomous snake present. Stay on marked trails or paths whenever possible, as well. Do not place hands, fingers, feet, or other parts of the body into crevices, holes, thick vegetation, or other areas of no to poor visibility where a snake might be able to hide or seek refuge in, ahead of oneself when in areas where there may be venomous snakes present.

2. Become familiar with properly identifying the venomous snakes of one’s state, or local area, if any. While there are many generalized “rules of thumb” out there, such as head shape, pupil shape, or others, do not use or rely solely on these rules of thumb to identify a venomous or nonvenomous snake! There are many different exceptions to these rules which go both ways. Know and become familiar with the habitats one may be likely to encounter each specific species in, as well as more about their natural behaviors, biology, and natural history. In short, learn and know how to properly identify the snake species of any given area one may be visiting or traveling to, rather than relying on these types of “rules of thumb”.

3. Do not try to capture, handle, touch, or try to kill any snake that one may see or encounter, particularly any venomous snake, or other snake which cannot positively be identified. This is the number one way in which snakebites in the U.S. occur. Instead, simply leave any snake encountered alone, especially if it is venomous, and observe and admire it from a safe and respectable distance.

4. Keep areas in and around the home, gardens, and other suburban or residential areas as clean, neat, and free of excess trash, junk, and debris as possible, and properly store these materials inside of a garage or shed as much as possible. Likewise, keep areas around where one lives as well trimmed of vegetative overgrowth as possible. Both of these areas create and attract habitat for rodents, insects, and other food sources for snakes, which in turn can attract and provide both food and shelter for snakes, including venomous species. Don’t waste time, money, and effort on commercial “snake repellant” products, which simply do not work. For more information on living with native snakes and other reptiles and amphibians, see the article on this topic.



Venomous Snakebite Dos:

-Do move away from the snake slowly, carefully, and deliberately while always still remaining aware of one’s actions and surroundings.

-Do always remain calm, and do not panic, which increases the heart rate, which in turn more quickly distributes the venom to other areas of the body.

-Do remove any constrictive articles of clothing or other items from the bite area, such as rings, jewelry, watches, etc.

-Do clean the bite and wash with soap and water, first, whenever possible. Then cover it with a clean and dry dressing.

-Do immobilize the bitten area, and keep the area at or below the area of the heart, whenever and wherever possible.

-Do then seek immediate medical attention, and avoid any undue delaying. Do call ahead to inform the hospital of one’s arrival ahead of time, whenever possible.

Venomous Snakebite Don’ts:

-Don’t try to capture and/or kill the snake for identification purposes later. This is, for the most part, not necessary, and increases the risks of being bitten again. Recalling what the snake looked like, and/or taking a photo (from a safe distance) should be sufficient.

-Don’t apply a tourniquet, and don’t apply ice, as this will not help subside any swelling.

-Don’t attempt to cut the bite site with any sort of device, and don’t attempt to remove the venom using one’s mouth to “suck it out”, or by any other means. This will not work, and the venom will have already entered the bloodstream.

 -Don’t use or administer caffeine, alcohol, or any other drugs (such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or other blood thinners). This can only speed up the body’s absorption of the venom. Also do not apply electric shock, or other similar outdated therapies.

-Don’t use or rely on inexpensive, gimmicky snakebite “pump” or “extractor” kits. These consist of various, mostly outdated, ineffective, and counterproductive snakebite measures that do more harm than good. While using these products can buy some additional time, such as if one is located more than an hour from the nearest hospital, they will not remove all of the venom from the bite site.

-Don’t attempt to “ride-out” a bite by not seeking prompt and professional medical care, and don’t attempt further medical care and support by oneself beyond the immediate first-aid procedures in this article. Also do not wait for signs or symptoms to appear. In some instances, a venomous snake may deliver a “dry bite” as a warning, in which no venom was injected, but do not always rely on this. Any venomous snakebite should be considered a medical emergency, and even bites from species often thought of as “less deadly” than others can, and have caused fatalities.

Step 1: Remain calm and collected, and avoid, or do not allow for excess, unnecessary movement. Lay flat down, and place the bitten limb or area in a comfortable enough position at, or below the area of the heart.

Step 2: If more than an hour away from the nearest hospital with anti-venom, a constriction band may be used. Wrap a wide, elastic bandage type band around the bitten limb or area, just above the bite site, but do not wrap very tightly. Leave the band in place until arrival at the hospital or medical center and when anti-venom can be administered, if necessary.

Step 3: Get to the nearest hospital or medical center as soon as possible without delay, preferably within one hour of the bite. Call ahead, if possible to inform the hospital of the arrival, so that they are aware and prepared. See the following list below of hospital clinics and medical centers in, and near Wisconsin carrying the Cro-Fab antivenom. For the most up to date list, or if unsure of which facilities stocking antivenom are nearest you, the National Poison Control Center can also be contacted at: 800-222-1222.

Hospitals and Clinics Stocking Cro-Fab Antivenom (as of 2021):

-Hennepin County Medical Center, 730 S 8th St. Minneapolis MN, 55415
(612) 873-3000

-Mayo Clinic Health System, Red Wing, 701 Hewitt Blvd. Red Wing MN, 55066
(651) 267-5000

 -Mayo Clinic Health System, Franciscan Healthcare, 700 West Ave S., LaCrosse WI 54601
(608) 785-0940

-Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center, LaCrosse, 1900 South Ave. LaCrosse WI 54601
(608) 782-7300

-UW Health University Hospital Madison, 600 Highland Ave, Madison WI, 53792
(608) 263-6400

-Crossing Rivers Health Urgent Care, 37868 US-18, Prairie du Chien, WI, 53821
(608) 357-2000

-Ascension All Saints Hospital - Surgical Services - Spring Street Campus, 3801 Spring St. Racine WI, 53405.
(262) 687-4011

-SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Baraboo, 707 14th St. Baraboo, WI 53913
(608)-356-1400

-Mile Bluff Medical Center, 1050 Division St. Mauston WI, 53948
(608)-847-6161

-HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, 900 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire WI 54701
(715) 717-4121

Identifying Rattlesnakes and Other Venomous Snakes

Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) © Mike Day
Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) © Kyle Salzmann