3 Scary Snake Bite Incidents That Happened in Virginia This Year

Snakes are the third most deadly animal to humans after mosquitos and other humans. Snake bites represent a considerable public health burden in many countries. More people die from snake bites around the world each year than have ever died from Ebola. The World Health Organization estimates that venomous snakes kill up to 137,880 people annually. However, deaths from snake bites in the United States account for less than 4 percent of the worldwide total, and your risk of being bitten by a snake varies by state. Let’s take a look at three scary snake bite incidents that happened in Virginia this year.

Snakebites by State

Each year, 7,000-8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That’s an average of 30 bites per million people per year. Out of the people who are bitten by venomous snakes in the country, almost five people die. Only one in 500 venomous snake bites, however, results in death. In the United States, copperheads bite 2,920 people annually.

The country is home to about 30 species of venomous snakes. These include 23 species of rattlesnakes, three species of coral snakes, two species of copperhead, and two species of cottonmouth. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest of its species and the most venomous snake in North America. 

5. Virginia

The state of Virginia is the fifth most active state for venomous snake bites. Virginia is roughly 50 percent above the national average with 48.7 bites per million people, according to a study published on the JAMA Network. 

4. Oklahoma

With twice the national average of reported bites, Oklahoma comes in as fourth in the nation for snake bites. The state has 48 different types of snakes and seven venomous species that inflict 61 bites per million people per year.

3. Arkansas

“The Natural State,” as Arkansas is known, has three times the national average of bites, with 92.9 bites per million. Of its 39 different native species of snakes, only two have a venomous bite. Arkansas has the third-most reported snake bites in the nation.

2. West Virginia

With 105.3 bites per million, West Virginia has the second-highest bite rate per million people in the United States. At more than three times the national average, West Virginia is home to 23 snake species, just two of which are venomous.

1. North Carolina

Out of all 50 U.S. states, North Carolina has the highest rate of venomous snakebites at 157.8 per million population per year. This is five times higher than the country’s average. There are 37 different species of snakes in North Carolina, only six of which are venomous. 

Snakes in Virginia

As the fifth in the nation for snake bites, Virginia sees about 400-425 bites per year. Of these bites, the death rate is extremely low with only 15 deaths in 30 years of data for the state.

Most of the 30 species of snakes in Virginia are harmless, but three are venomous — northern copperheads, timber rattlesnakes, and cottonmouths. According to Virginia’s Wildlife Center, copperheads, rattlesnakes, and cottonmouths all have vertical pupils, a heat-sensing pit near their eyes, and a single row of scales underneath their tails. Alternatively, non-venomous snakes have round pupils, no pit, and two rows of scales beneath their tails. A great resource to learn basic snake identification skills is an online guide by the Virginia Herpetological Society.

In many instances, people are bitten when trying to catch or kill a snake. Aside from it being illegal in Virginia to kill a snake, killing the animal will not keep more snakes from coming and will likely put you in more danger. The Blue Ridge Poison Center in Virginia also sees bites from hikers, gardeners, and others who accidentally get too close to a snake.

University of Virginia Health reports, “All snakes, including poisonous ones, will try to hide from you or escape. They will only bite as a last resort.”

Snake season lasts from mid-May until October when snakes come out of hibernation during the warmer months of the year.

Three Scary Snake Bite Incidents That Happened in Virginia This Year

Most snake bites occur when people disturb a snake. Snakes do not want to attack something they know they can’t eat. It’s important to know what to do to minimize your chances of getting bitten in the first place. Check out these safety precautions put together by the Virginia Herpetological Society. Most of the scary snake bite incidents that happened in Virginia this year could have been avoided with proper attention to snake bite risks.

1. Rockbridge County, VA

On July 15, 2023, firefighters from the Big Island Volunteer Fire Company told WFXR news that a call came in around 12:21 p.m. for a snake bite victim at Camp Doom in Rockbridge County, along the James River. Several fire departments were dispatched to the scene and personnel with the Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department had to use swift water boats to go on the river.

After searching the area, first responders successfully rescued the victim and transported the person in an ambulance before airlifting the patient to the University of Virginia Hospital for treatment. One of the fire departments that participated in the rescue later confirmed the bite came from a rattlesnake.

2. Nottoway County, VA

On February 20, 2023, an unidentified snake bit Tracy Davis in Blackstone, Nottoway County, VA. She told the Courier Record that she had been kneeling beside her back porch using a hand rake to clear leaves from the foundation of her house when the snake surprised her.

Davis was not able to identify the snake, although she said it was brownish in color.

“I’m thinking it was either a garter snake or what is referred to as a ‘brown snake,’ which has a nickname of ‘city snake,’” David said. “They are typically docile and live in organic matter. It was quick. Again, it happened so fast and when I felt the ‘pop’ on my hand and looked down, I saw the end of it going beneath the leaves. I immediately got up and went inside to wash my hands.”  

3. Virginia Beach

The third scary snake bite incident that happened in Virginia this year stands out for the excruciating pain inflicted on the victim. In June 2023, a copperhead bit Mary Rumble of Virginia Beach after she accidentally hit it with her weed wacker in her backyard. The snake sunk its fangs into her ankle inflicting tremendous pain.

“It would just feel like it (her ankle) was going to blow off my body,” Rumble told WAVY.com news. “I can’t even describe it the pain was so bad.”

What to Do If Someone Gets Bitten

According to CDC recommendations, anyone bitten by a snake should immediately call 911 or poison control. Additionally, Virginia’s Blue Ridge Poison Center urges residents to remember that snake bites are treatable, and anyone bitten by a snake should stay calm. If possible, wash the wound with soap and water and remove tight clothing and jewelry as swelling is likely. The most important goal, however, is to get the victim to a healthcare facility.

What Not to Do If Someone Gets Bitten

Snake-bite experts insist that many common misconceptions about what to do after a snake bites someone can actually cause more harm. Blue Ridge Poison Control warns against any of the following actions:

• Do not use any form of suction.
• Do not apply a tourniquet.
• Do not apply ice or use an ice bath.
• Do not cut the wound.