FORT SILL, Okla. -- In 2015 two service members suffered snake bites, one on duty at Fort Sill, the other off duty hiking in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Recent heavy rains could be a trigger for snake encounters as flooded burrows force snakes outside to seek other shelter.
Fortunately, the on-duty Soldier wasn't seriously hurt, however, the off-duty Marine suffered a serious bite in an area where emergency medical help wasn't readily accessible.
People should be especially watchful for snakes, whether venomous or "harmless" as any snake bite can be a serious health risk. Even nonvenomous snake bites can produce serious infections.
Oklahoma has 46 native snake species, though only seven are venomous to people. Of that number, five are now confirmed to exist on Fort Sill thanks to two confirmed sightings of water moccasins on East Range.
Those "fanged five" and their preferred habitats are:
- broad-banded copperhead -- rocky mountainous areas and near water;
- western diamondback rattlesnake -- arid areas, rocky outcrops and bluffs;
- prairie rattlesnake -- rocky outcrops or canyons, open grasslands, prairie dog towns;
- western massasauga -- hillsides, prairies and grasslands, may be found near water.
- water moccasin (also known as the cottonmouth) North America's only venomous water snake most often found in and near water where it dines on fish and other aquatic life.
Copperheads are especially worrisome as they don't sport a rattling tail to warn people if they are too close and pose a potential threat to the snake.
For those whose explorations and travels will take them further beyond post, the other two venomous snakes are the the western pigmy and timber rattlesnakes.
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a popular destination for seeing Oklahoma wildlife. Consider a stop at the visitor's center before hitting the trail or exploring the pathless wilderness. Volunteers at the center are often avid hikers and can provide information, such as the possibility of meeting up with rattlesnakes.
Identification
Knowing which snakes are venomous and recognizing their characteristics can go a long way toward keeping people safe when outdoors in Oklahoma. The best way to avoid snakebites is to learn more about the venomous snakes here and where they can be found.
A surprising number of people are bitten each year, because they picked up a snake they thought was not venomous. When in doubt, do not take a chance: Do not pick up any snake you cannot identify. To aid in the identification process, there are four features common to Oklahoma's venomous snakes.
First, all Oklahoma venomous snakes have a facial pit. This is a depression on the side of the face just below a line between the eyes and the nostrils. This pit can be seen from a safe distance if you know what to look for. If you're not sure what to look for, the best option is to stay a healthy distance away.
Second, head shape can help to identify venomous snakes; in Oklahoma these snakes all have diamond- or triangular-shaped heads. Harmless snakes have narrow heads, however, this characteristic is not always obvious since some snakes flatten their heads when threatened to make themselves look bigger. Thus, nonvenomous snakes could be mistaken for venomous ones.
Third, vertical eye pupils, or cat's eyes, are a strong sign that a snake is venomous. A few harmless snakes have vertical eye pupils and may be mistaken as venomous on this basis. Keep in mind though vertical eye pupils are often hard to see in dim light or shade.
Fourth, rattles on the tail positively identifies a snake as being venomous. Be certain the rattles are seen, because other harmless snakes will vibrate their tails when they are nervous or frightened. They may rustle their tails in dried leaves or grass to produce a sound that can be mistaken for a rattle. Still, the lack of a rattle does not exclude the possibility that a snake is venomous. In fact, copperheads don't have rattles and are certainly venomous. Looking for a combination of these characteristics will usually help properly identify a snake.
Precautions
Proper precautions such as what to wear and how to act can go a long way toward ensuring a safe excursion into snake country. Proper clothing can further reduce the risk of snakebite. Leather high-topped boots are sufficient to stop the fangs of most venomous snakes. Heavy canvas pants and protective leggings can provide added protection in high-risk areas.
Regardless of what is worn, always avoid placing hands or feet in a location that cannot be safely seen, such as stepping over a log. Finally, do not wander outside at night without a light or protective covering for legs and feet.
Bite treatment
Regardless of precautions, people still get bitten by venomous snakes. If bitten, the most important thing to remember is to remain calm. Then, get to a hospital quickly for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Snakebites are not usually fatal, but are sure to be painful. Currently, 6,000 to 7,000 people are bitten each year, but on average only 15 die from the bite. This is less than the number of people who die each year from bee stings or lightning strikes.
There is a little agreement, even among medical personnel, regarding the proper method of snakebite treatment. To help keep bite victims calm, refrain from giving them caffeine, cigarettes or alcohol. In most cases doctors can administer an antitoxin that will help reduce damage caused by the bite. Antivenin kits can be purchased through local physicians, but the kits are expensive, may not keep indefinitely, should be administered by trained personnel and can be dangerous if not deadly. Modern snakebite kits are also available at outdoor equipment stores but again should be used by trained people.
Finally, never follow the example of Hopalong Cassidy and try to suck the poison out of the wound like those rough-and-tumble rawhide cowboys did in the old movies.
Living near their habitat
Some types of snakes thrive near homes. Many people who fear or dislike snakes seek to kill them, and while this may temporarily reduce their numbers, it can never eliminate them. As long as food and habitat are available, there will always be snakes.
Removing brush piles and scattered refuse will reduce cover for small mammals and snakes, and keep both populations down. Placing feed and grain in rodent-proof containers will reduce rodents and snakes. Snakes can be kept out of houses by sealing cracks in foundations, around windows, air conditioners and doors. (Some information courtesy of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service)
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