[at-l] Re: at-l Digest, Vol 4, Issue 2 Topic: Snakes

[Bror8588 at aol.com (Bror8588@xxxxxxx)]

In a message dated 8/2/03 1:28:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
at-l-request@mailman.backcountry.net  (Slim - AKA NANCY) writes:



> Just had to reply since I teach this stuff all the time.
> A Coral Snake is the most deadly poisonous snake of all snakes in the US.
> It lives in burrows mostly in the South Atlantic states and Gulf states from
> NC to Texas to Indiana.
> It is related to the cobra of Asia, the mamba of Africa and tiger snake of
> Australia, all larger and very deadly.
> But its fangs are so short and disposition so mild that it is unlikely you
> will be bitten. But the mortality rate is high for those who have. Its venom
> quickly attacks and paralyzes the nerve centers.
> Timber rattlers, copperheads and Massasagua rattlesnake venom attacks and
> breaks down the red blood cells (giving you more time to get help).  With a
> rattler or Copperhead bite you have about three hours to get help.  The idea
> is to keep the bitten part below the heart, remain calm and send someone for
> help or use the dreaded cell phone.  Some use a loose tourniquet just above
> the bite.  Note: "Loose tourniquet" not tight, or you may survive to lose a
> limb.
> 



Good summary of snakes and their poisonous targets.  One question:  Water 
Moccasins -- where do they fall in the family of poisoness snakes.  The "Cotton 
Mouth" is found in the Southern states and not in the North but are they 
Copperheads or Rattlers or some species related? 

Skylander Jack
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