Snakes use their venom to immobilise, and in some cases, digest their prey, which consists mainly of rodents, frogs, birds and smaller snakes. After a snake strikes its venom goes to work very quickly and effects the heart, the lungs, the muscles or the red blood cells. In some cases a combination of effects occurs. Cobras and Coral snakes are said to have the most potent neurotoxic venom, the latter literally liquefying tissue, especially the flesh closest to the snakebite. Cottonmouth venom causes fatal haemorrhaging in all organs of the body if an antidote isn t administered on time.
Scientists continue to study the intricacies of snake venoms.
Prepared antivenins are the only known antidote for snakebites. These are made by injecting large animals with close to lethal doses of a specific snake venom until the animal develops immunity. Serum is then extracted and processed as an antivenin. Some people are allergic to snake bites or to antidotes and may suffer a severe reaction or even die. North America has its share of potentially deadly snakes.