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Snakes That Cause Bleeding

Venomous snakes bite an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people per year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths are most often involved in these cases. They produce venom with hemotoxins, which are chemicals that disrupt blood clotting and can cause bleeding.

  1. Types of Hemotoxic Venoms

    • Venomous snakes cause bleeding in their prey with two different mechanisms. Procoagulant toxins cause the blood clotting products in the blood stream to be consumed rapidly, causing a shortage. Because of this deficiency, the blood can't clot normally and uncontrolled bleeding occurs. Anticoagulant toxins directly cause excessive bleeding, and the symptoms are the same as those of procoagulants: bleeding from the gums or cuts in the skin, internal bleeding, and blood in the urine and feces.

    Examples of Snakes That Produce Hemotoxic Venom

    • Snakes in the pit viper family, such as rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths, account for 99 percent of snakebites, according to the International Mountain Biking Association. Pit vipers are the most common venomous snakes in the United States, and the venom can cause uncontrolled bleeding and organ damage. Outside of the United States, Australia is home to some of the deadliest hemotoxic venom-producing snakes. For example, the eastern brown snake's venom contains both neurotoxins and hemotoxins, causing bleeding and paralysis, and the inland taipan's venom is more potent than that of any other snake in the world.

    Snakebite Treatment

    • Of the thousands of victims of venomous snakebites recorded in the United States every year, about 5 of those result in death. This low percentage is because of effective medical care. For venomous snakebites, the CDC recommends seeking medical attention immediately. First aid treatments are not effective in stopping the action of the venom, and the priority should be keeping the patient calm and minimizing activity until the patient can be transported to a hospital to be treated with antivenin.

    Snakebite First Aid Myths

    • Common myths about snakebites result in ineffective or harmful first aid treatments. The CDC warns against applying a tourniquet, cutting the skin at or near the puncture wounds, or attempting to suck out the venom. The CDC does not recommend attempting to catch or kill the snake. The bite victim should not drink alcohol or caffeine, and you should not apply ice to the wound, or submerge it in water.

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