How to Treat a Cottonmouth Bite

The Cottonmouth is the only venomous water snake in North America. It is extremely dangerous because it latches on to it's victim more affectively. This allows her to sink more venom into her victim's veins. The Cottonmouth gets it's name from it's typical position. Most of the time, these snakes lie coiled around themselves with their heads back and mouths open. The inside of the mouth is white like cotton. While they are not typically aggressive snakes, they will strike if they are scared or threatened. If you are bitten by a Cottonmouth, it is important to know exactly what to do to save your life and body tissue.

Things You'll Need

• Venom extraction suction device

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Instructions

• 1

  Relax. As soon as you get bitten by a Cottonmouth, or any snake for that matter, is relax. Fear does two negative things for you. First, it scares the snake even more and could make him strike again. Second, your blood pumps quicker through your body when you are scared. This will make the venom travel more quickly through your body.

• 2

  Get a good look at the snake or have a friend kill it. You want to know what type of snake has bitten you. This will help the doctor and emergency staff administer the right medicine to treat your Cottonmouth Bite. Remember, you may not know you have a Cottonmouth Bite unless you look at the snake.

• 3

  Place a venom extractor over the bite and suction out as much venom as you can. It has been shown that making cuts around the bite mark and sucking out venom with your mouth is dangerous and much less helpful.

• 4

  Move slowly to get your your vehicle. You don't want to run because this will pump the venom throughout your body quicker. If possible, have someone drag or carry you to the vehicle.

• 5

  Get to a medical clinic as soon as possible. Do not delay. Waiting too long could cost you a limb or your life. Cottonmouth bites are extremely dangerous if not treated immediately.