In light of this realization, it is prudent to consider the implications of such a scenario. Education about pit vipers, what happens to a person who has been bitten, and emergency medical procedures in the field must be addressed for everyone's safety. Statistically, about 48,000 people a year bitten in the United States. Of these, about 8,000 are from poisonous snakes and an average of 10 people a year die because they are cared for improperly. In the Florida series, about 10 people per year were bitten by a cottonmouth while reaching over the side of a boat to pull up a string of fish.
Cottonmouths inflict most of their bite under the water, on top of the water, or near the water.
The height of snake season is between April and October, peaking between July and August. Snakes are generally less active at temperatures less than 50-60 degrees, or greater than 80 degrees. Envenomation may include some or all of these symptoms, depending on the severity of envenomation. Death can occur up to several days following the bite, or in as little as two hours. In pit viper envenomation the average death occurs in two days.