[GeoStL] Re: NGR: Snake Bite

I agree with Eric, never take a chance when bitten, especially if you are
young, very old, or have an underlying medical condition. Plus, at the ED
they can help with pain control (the most common side affect of the bite)
and prescribe antibiotics for a possible infection (another side affect, but
less common). 

 

  _____  

From: geocaching-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:geocaching-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Eric East
Sent: Sunday, August 28, 2005 11:05 PM
To: geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [GeoStL] Re: NGR: Snake Bite

 

Not sure who K is, but i'm sorry to hear about the incident.

That is why it is a VERY GOOD idea to NEVER handle a snake unless you can
positively ID it.

 

Also, DO NOT avoid a trip to the ER if you believe you have been bitten by a
venomous snake!!!

Although the bite of a copper head is generally not life threatening, why
take the chance. It's possible

that you may be one of the unfortunate few who are alergic to the venom.

 

BTW, the scientific name for nonvenomous counter part is natrix, not matrix.
And that is out dated. The 

accepted name for the genus is now nerodia. Gotta love the taxonimists &
their name changes! :-)

 

Eric

 

 

 

 

 

----- Original Message ----- 

From: JimSGreene@xxxxxxx 

To: geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 

Sent: Sunday, August 28, 2005 9:22 PM

Subject: [GeoStL] NGR: Snake Bite

 

Update to follow, since our good friend K. encountered a medium sized copper
head while mowing, and in return for his good will in trying to move the
snake, which he thought was a matrix (a harmless water snake), it bit him on
both hands.  He went to an emergency room, and the treatment turned out to
be antihistimines and bed rest.  The venom is not fatal, except to small
animals.  He is currently sleeping off the effects of the drugs, and will be
monitored by friends while he recovers.  The snake will get a good meal of
mouse before being released.  A digital series of the wounds might be
compiled, unless there is objection from the subject.  He's in no condition
at present to agree to anything.  If anyone has a similar mishap, take
antihistimines and save yourself a hospital bill.  You'll be fine.
Remember, it is illegal to kill our valuable snakes.  Please release the
culprit within two miles of where you found it, since relocation results in
hardship and death usually.  Please brace yourselves as the subject of this
email is rather grisly, but we don't want any of you to go through being
assaulted by a brown recluse.  Unfortunately for these spiders, kill them at
will.  Please spare their harmless cousins, though.  Again, turn on a light
in any storage area and wait until the critters go hide before you go in.
Take care all, and good luck.

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