Louisiana’s Most Notable Snake Bite Incidents This Year

Louisiana is home to 43 species of snakes. However, only six of those species are venomous. In the United States, 82% of snakebites occur in the South, and by state, Louisiana ranks fifth. In 2023, Louisiana saw 334 venomous snake bites.

Thankfully, bites from venomous snakes rarely result in death if prompt medical attention is given. Here is a list of the six venomous snakes that populate the state and where they typically live.

Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)

Copperheads get their name from their copper-red heads. These copperheads have a distinct pattern of dark, reddish-brown crossbands across their bodies. This pattern is similar to non-venomous snakes, but copperheads’ markings are hourglass-shaped. These snakes are the most likely to bite. However, because their venom is mild, it is rarely fatal.

These snakes typically live in wooded areas, where they camouflage easily. Not naturally aggressive, eastern copperheads will strike without warning if they feel threatened.

Eastern Diamond-back Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)

This snake gets its name from the diamond-shaped pattern along its back. A black band covers its eyes, which have vertical cat-like pupils. These rattlesnakes can range in color from black or muddy gray to olive green. Ranging from 3 feet to 6 feet long, eastern diamond-back rattlesnakes are the longest venomous snakes in the U.S.

These snakes prefer coastal forests, barrier islands, and open pinelands for their habitats. They can also be found in overgrown fields or abandoned farms. If a rattlesnake feels threatened, it will warn you with the rattle on its tail before it strikes. This painful bite can be fatal to humans by killing red blood cells and causing tissue damage. Thankfully, death from rattlesnake bites is rare because we have antivenom available.

Harlequin Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius)

This thin-bodied snake will average 15 to 36 inches in length. The body will have alternating red and black rings separated by smaller yellow rings. Coral snakes have black snouts and a yellow band behind their eyes.

Coral snakes inhabit dry, wooded areas and mixed forests. Because they forage in leaf litter and remain hidden at night, one rarely sees this snake. They are not aggressive and will not strike unless you are in direct contact. Although they are very dangerous to people, snakebites from this species are very rare.

Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)

This species is named for its whitish lining in the mouth, which is visible in its defensive posture. This dark snake ranges from dark olive brown to black in color. Its belly is cream-colored with dark brown or black spots. Cottonmouths generally grow to be 3 to 4 feet in length.

Throughout Louisiana, cottonmouths live in swamplands, lakes, and ponds. These snakes can be very defensive, and when provoked, they will coil up and open their mouths, exposing the white lining. A bite from the northern cottonmouth is dangerous to humans and can be fatal if medical help is not sought quickly.

Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius)

The pygmy rattlesnake is small, ranging from 10 to 20 inches long. They can either be pale gray or tan in color, with dark spots and a reddish or orange band down their backs. As part of the pit viper family, these snakes have a heat-sensing pit organ between the eyes and nostril that helps them hunt at night or sense danger coming.

Pygmy rattlesnakes avoid swamps and prefer a habitat in wooded areas and pine flatwoods. They are venomous, with a slender tail with a tiny rattle. Although not naturally aggressive, these snakes will bite if threatened or accidentally stepped on. The venomous bite is painful but not considered life-threatening.

Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

Another member of the pit viper family, timber rattlesnakes are large and heavy, typically growing to 2.5 to 5 feet in length. Light tan or beige in color, these snakes have dark crossbands across their bodies, with a reddish stripe down the middle of their backs.

Timber rattlesnakes reside in hilly forests, pine forests, river floodplains, swamps, and farm fields. When threatened, it will raise its head and shake its rattle before it strikes. However, these snakes tend to be docile and avoid conflict whenever possible. Still, its bite is very toxic to humans.

What to Do for a Venomous Snakebite

If you happen upon a venomous snake, try to back away carefully and quietly. If you are bitten, seek immediate medical help from medical professionals who are experienced in treating snakebites. Keep the wound below the level of your heart, but do not apply a tourniquet or ice. Also, do not try home remedies. If possible, take a picture of the snake. This will help the physician choose the correct antivenom. The sooner it is administered, the greater your chances of recovery.

Although there were over 300 snakebite incidents in Louisiana in 2023, none of them resulted in death or were especially notable. If you are someone who fears snakes, you can relax. Generally, you are more likely to get stung by a bee than be bitten by a snake.

And if your instinct is to kill a snake that you think is venomous, be careful. Some snakes, like the Louisiana pine snake, are an endangered species. Killing one of them can result in a hefty fine or even jail time.

Snakes will attack when they feel threatened or their nest is in danger. In fact, those at greatest risk of getting a snake bite are people who regularly handle snakes. Dying from a snake bite is extremely rare.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Harris Motion Photo/Shutterstock.com