The bite is initially painful and is followed by progressive swelling, bruising, and worsening pain. Tingling around the lips and tongue, abnormal bleeding, and muscle weakness may also occur, depending on the species and the dose of venom. Without treatment, severe tissue damage and loss of a finger, toe or limb sometimes occurs, and bites are occasionally fatal. Prevention and treatment Treatment for snakebite should be given in an emergency department. The CPCS does not recommend traditional first aid remedies such as cutting into the wound, dunking the injured part in ice, using a tourniquet, or attempting to suck out the venom with one's mouth.
Prevention is the key to avoiding a trip to the hospital.
When hiking, wear thick soled, ankle-height boots and keep an eye out for snakes sunning themselves on the trail or in nearby undergrowth. Listen for the rattling sound of a frightened or cornered snake. If you see a snake, stop or move away from it. Do not attempt to kill or frighten it. Snakes can strike rapidly at a distance approximately equal to their body length.