>>338449Yeah, but people over exagerate the danger associated with snakes. And then put their self in even more danger when trying to kill it for whatever reason.
Too many people have no clue about the true habits & behavior of snakes. Not that being envonomated isn't a potentially life-threatening situation, but it's just blown out of proportion. I'd advise medical treatment asap for any venomous bite just to be on the safe side. Clotting, heart and blood pressure fluctuations, etc. can become very serious.
There are only 4 species of dangerous venomous snakes in the US (and many of their respective subspecies) - but 4 distinct & easily identifiable groups every outdoorsman should be educated about.
Coral Snakes aren't much of a worry unless they manage to get in your sleeping bag/shoe/whatever - they have very potent venom but it takes a lot of bad luck or stupidity (handling) to get tagged by them.
Copperheads have relatively mild venom, but still potentially serious.
Water Moccasins can be dangerous because they can be very defensive if harassed (though much of their aggressive attitude is just a bluff to intimidate), but give them space and you'll be fine.
Rattlesnakes are probably the most deadly of the 4 species. Some of the subspecies have particularly potent venom, and due to their habit of sitting motionless under/by rocks, logs and bushes they have the highest probability of biting a passing hiker/hunter if they step too close.
Most snake bites occur when people attempt to handle or dispatch a snake. Deaths in the US due to bites are very rare. And the people that do die are usually elderly or very young, have underlying medical conditions, or stubbornly refuse treatment for days until organ failure/blood clotting is too severe.
Basically, education and awareness is the key.
