Danger!!! Snake Bit :(

[Brian_Reeves]

Who identified it as an Eastern Diamondback? The medical folks?

*western diamondback* sorry.  No telling where that typo came from.  Nah, it was the good ole typical texan western diamondback.  Sorry for the mix-up.

[Nicky Greece]

 Snakes definitely suck.  I had a copperhead grab onto a Zoom Baby Bass jerkbait in the dead of night a few years ago at Lake Cumberland when I was fishing for striper.  Probably made a world record for running up the side of a mountain.   I hate snakes.

[Micro]

I was gona say, if it was an Eastern, you made an important discovery - since they don't exist farther west that the extreme eastern portion of Louisianna (and probably not there anymore).  

Westerns are testy buggers.   Some scientists say many Westerns have lost their inclination to rattle since they are so heavily hunted by humans.  They've learned that rattling draws humans closer.

[Big-O]

I was gona say, if it was an Eastern, you made an important discovery - since they don't exist farther west that the extreme eastern portion of Louisianna (and probably not there anymore).  

Westerns are testy buggers.   Some scientists say many Westerns have lost their inclination to rattle since they are so heavily hunted by humans.  They've learned that rattling draws humans closer.

So thats why I nearly stepped on 3 or 4 last year at the Ranch, thought it was because I'm gettin' old and wasn't paying attention. Probably both.

Big O

[Lavrax]

A close call mate. The key is to remain calm as you did.  I almost step on 6 foot viper 2 months ago...i missed it by a few inches, i was lucky too. We have many close encounters with venomous snakes here (Vyron, C&R and Cybasser), so we should be careful because these reptile are camouflaged and very hard to spot

[Brian_Reeves]

You know, I'm in the Army (for another month WOOO!!!) but you'd think that they'd learn a thing or two about camo from reptiles.  The diamondback's patterns...both eastern and western make them nearly invisable to their environment.  Really I admire snakes until they try to kill me.  They are a very well adapted predator and very near the top of the food chain.  Very little will mess with a 7ft rattlesnake.  Thank god I didn't run into one that size.  I've never seen one like that, but I'd probably have a friggin heart attack if one that size bit me.

I've done a bunch of research on rattlesnakes since that episode and they are a pretty cool critter.  Creapy and has made me really think about how much I appreciate bank fishing, but cool nonetheless.

However you feel about snakes or any other critters in your area, it might be a good idea to research them on the internet.  Find treatments or learn how to tie up pressure dressings and possibly turnikits (spelling sucks on that word). A good pressure dressing will slow bloodflow and could possibly save your life.

Be sure you are aware of what dangers are out there and how to deal with them.  NEVER TRY TO SUCK POISON OUT OF YOURSELF OR OTHERS!!!  It doesn't work and it could do tons more damage than good.  I'd suggest researching some first aid and survival tips.  Always make sure someone knows where you are at.

I might start a thread specifically for survival and first aid techniques, but I haven't decided if it fits yet.  If y'all are interested, I'll share what I know.  I'm sure there are guys on here that have tons of knowlege with survival and first aid.

[Micro]

There's a huge amount of WRONG information out there on the treatment of venomous snake bites.  

There's two types of venom found in US snakes - hemotoxic (most with myotoxic properties) and neurotoxic.   Some snakes have a combination of both.  (Hemo=blood, myo=muscle, neuro=nerve)

Hemotoxic (with myotoxic properties) venom is comprised of protiens that destroy red blood cells, vascular walls, muscle and connective tissue.  It's vile stuff.  This is the venom found in most rattlersnakes and cottonmouths, and one species of copperhead (the Tran Pecos Copperhead found in Texas).  Bites from these snakes can result in serious injury - tissue loss, permanent disability or death.  Other copperheads have just hemotoxic venom which usually result in swelling, bleeding and pain, but usually followed by a full recovery.  Copperheads are considered the "least venomous" venomous snakes.

The other venom is neurotoxic venom.  Coral Snakes, Tiger and Mohave Rattlesnakes, and some Canebrake Rattlers have produce this venom.  (Canebrakes are mainly hemo/myotoxic, with some neurotoxic properties.)   This is a dangerous venom comprised of peptides that effect the synapses of the nervous system.  Envenomation can lead to blindness (usually temporary), paralysis and respitory failure.  The Tiger and Mojave Rattler (the Arizona variety) is considered the deadliest North American snake, and among the most venomous in the world.  (The only upside to being bitten by a snake with a neurotoxic venom is that you won't melt (like you might with hemo/myotoxic venom) as you die  .)

For envenomations by hemo/myotoxic varieties, tourniquets are OUT.  They will keep the venom concentrated in the limb resulting is a worse injury.  Cutting is out as it opens new tissue to venom exposure.  Shocking devices (like stun guns popular among hunters with dogs) don't work - despite popular opinion to the contrary.  Suction cups produce mixed results.  The best way to treat this bite is to get medical help as soon as possible.   "Crofab" is the usual antivenin used to treat bites.  This stufff cost about $1,500 per file, and a mild envenomation will take about 6-8 vile.  Severe envenomation may take 20+.  Snakebites produce some of the costliest injuries.  

For neurotoxic envenomation, pressure bandages above the bite can be helpful as this will restrict the flow of the venom into the rest of the body.  Obviously, medical help is critical.  

The best medicine is to not get bitten.  Watch where you step and put your hands.  Don't touch any snake you cannot 100% identify.  Be aware of any aquatic snake - especially in the south.  Do not molest snakes.  

I've been interested in snakes for most of my life.  I've hunted them (not to kill), captured and kept hundreds of snakes - including some venomous snakes (cottonmouths).   They are amazing animals.   Admire them for what they are.  Leave them alone.

[Bass XL]

Do not molest snakes.

sorry, I couldnt help myself.

[iamjoe2]

couple of things,

no rattlers in s/e louisiana, i cant speak for nothern la though...

what kind of venom do cottonmouths have? ive seen several of them fishing...

[Micro]

couple of things,

no rattlers in s/e louisiana, i cant speak for nothern la though...

what kind of venom do cottonmouths have? ive seen several of them fishing...

Cottonmouths have a strongly hemotoxic venom that destroys red blood cells and is strongly anticoagulant (anti-clotting).  Adult Cottonmouths have moderate sized fangs and contain a lot of venom.  Adults carry, on average, 80-170 milligrams (mg) of venom.  The lethal dose for an adult human is about 100 mg.  (Lethal dose is characterized by the amount of venom needed to killl 50% of adult humans envenomated.  Also known as LD50 - short for lethal dose 50%.)  The amount injected is usually much smaller.  Some fatalities have occurred, but bites usually just result in tissue damage (those this can be nasty and crippling).  

Cottonmouths also have a nasty tendancy to carry bacteria.  Secondary infections, such as tetnus and gangrene often occurs as a result of a bite.  They also carry worms in their mouth that come from frogs and things they eat.  

Avoid Cottonmouths.  

[Brian_Reeves]

What part of SE Louisiana joe?  I have land in Marksville, near Alexandria, that is full of rattlesnakes :-?

I'm from Gonzales, LA and I've NEVER seen one down there though and I've spent many hours in those Amite River swamps and bayous.

[Jeff H]

Don't like snakes one bit.  If there were venomous snakes where I live, hunt and fish I'd certainly wear the right boots AND carry a  machete.  When I was a kid we used to catch them all the time, didn't bother me then or until I had a very close encounter with a rattler in the Big Horn mountains.  When I found out they can really seriously mess you up, or kill you it changed my tune.  They are one part of nature I can do without.  I hate snakes!!

[Fish Man]

glad to hear your ok but man your lucky they didnt jump all on you for killing the snake(probobly because it was the hospital). i dont remember the story to well but a long time ago my dad was biten by a possum was told to take it to get tested for rabbies. well my dad killed it and threw it in the truck and when he got there they threatened to have him arrested for animal cruilty

[Jeff H]

glad to hear your ok but man your lucky they didnt jump all on you for killing the snake(probobly because it was the hospital). i dont remember the story to well but a long time ago my dad was biten by a possum was told to take it to get tested for rabbies. well my dad killed it and threw it in the truck and when he got there they threatened to have him arrested for animal cruilty

 How the hell did he get bit by a possum?  

[Fish Man]

im not to sure but i want to say that it was alongside our old garge in the shade and my dad figured it was dead (when it was rally just sleeping or playing dead) and when he picked it up or attempted to move it and got it out fo the shade and inot the light it woke up and bit him.....yea lol

[Brian_Reeves]

I think possums freak me out more than snakes.  A possum is still grinning when you kill it.  Honestly, what smiles when it gets killed?  That's just disturbing. ;D

[GatorBK]

I thought I was snakebit the other day I was walking through tall grass with sandals and something stuck me in my achilles tendon that shot pain up my leg. It was a dang sea catfish that had dried out and was stiffened up. Its head must have rolled when I stepped on it driving a spine about an inch in my tendon . It took both hands to pull it out.

My most painful bite was a 6 ft gator it bit through my thumbnail like hot butter it was nearly bone crushing. And locked on like a bulldog I pried its mouth off with my knife

here is what that bite looked like after a couple weeks healing

[Ballpark Frank]

Glad you are OK. Here in North Alabama, we have several venomous snakes. I had a Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin get me when I was 12, that was an experience that I wish I could forget. I usually leave the rattlers and copperheads alone, they are usually not aggressive. If I see them, I slowly walk away. Cottonmouths on the other hand, are very aggressive and should consider themselves as "JUST WAITING TO DIE". My S&W 638 is always in my pocket just waiting for them.

[Brian_Reeves]

Yeah, those things will go out of their way to make you miserable.  Thats why I have a 6ft hickory stick.  I carry and fire guns for a living and I try to stay away from them whenever I can.  That and carrying one on post is a nightmare waiting to happen.

[Big-O]

I think the butt of your rod did the job to perfection and it makes for a better adventure to remember. And the story goes "The fishing rod that was lethal at both ends"

Big O

[Brian_Reeves]

Yeah, but the last thing I want to do is wreck my jigging rod.  I wouldn't have minded if it was one of my "all purpose" rods.  But my wife bought my jigging rod for our first anniversary.  If it dies, I will die with it lol.

[Mrs. Matstone]

That is pretty scary! Glad to hear that your ok though. I come across snakes alot when I am fishing and most of the time they really don't bother with me and believe me I don't bother with them either... ;D I don't really know one species of snake from the next but this one is the one that I seem to come across most often.

This little guy swam up next to me when I was fishing one day. He did not bother me he just laid there soaking up the sun.

Glad to hear that your ok though and sorry to hear about your fishing equipment.

[Brian_Reeves]

Thanks.  The fishing equipment made it through ok though    I lost the cap on the butt of the rod, but other than that, it's all good.

I'm not sure what kind of snake that is.  If it's isn't a moccasin or if it doesn't rattle, I don't know what it is.  I just know to stay away from them unless I"m really hungry ;D

[Micro]

That's a Northern Watersnake.  Non-venomous fish and frog eater.  Testy buggers, though.  They bite, a lot.  That one in your photo is beautifully marked.  

I have a stupid habit of trying to catch most snakes I come across.  Of them all, I've been bitten most frequently by Northern Watersnakes.

[iamjoe2]

What part of SE Louisiana joe?  I have land in Marksville, near Alexandria, that is full of rattlesnakes :-?

I'm from Gonzales, LA and I've NEVER seen one down there though and I've spent many hours in those Amite River swamps and bayous.

i live in new orleans so that where i do most of my fishing, and ive yet to see a rattler anywhere around here