Watch Hiker’s Terrifying Encounter With A Copperhead, Saved By Quick-Acting Park Ranger

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This hike in the woods in an area where copperheads are not normally found took an unexpected turn. You can hear the exact moment that the narrator gets bitten and immediately he realizes that this situation is “not good”. You can also just about make out the copperhead on the path – he was not even hiking through the undergrowth! Click below to watch the full video of the bite itself and what happened next.

How Dangerous Are Copperhead Bites?

Copperheads are a medium-sized pit viper that get their name from the copper red coloring on their heads. Like all pit vipers, they have heat-sensory pits between their eyes and nostrils which enable them to detect differences in temperature and accurately direct their strike.

In terms of number of bites, they are one of the most dangerous U.S. snakes. If they feel threatened by your presence, they will strike without giving a warning. This hiker had no idea that he had trodden so close to a copperhead – until it was too late. The venom is delivered into the body via the two fangs and is a hemotoxin. It causes tissue damage which results in swelling and necrosis and damages the circulatory system. The damage is usually localized and although it is painful (and very scary) it is not life-threatening for most people. Nevertheless, children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems can be more adversely affected.

What Is A ‘Dry’ Snake Bite?

The bite in the video is described as a ‘dry’ bite and this means that no venom was delivered into the victim. Producing venom takes up a lot of the snake’s energy so they don’t like to waste it! Therefore, many snakes will deliver a warning bite that contains no venom, hoping that it will be sufficient to deter the threat.

What Should You Do If Bitten By A Venomous Snake?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detailed advice on what to do. In summary, you should call the Emergency Medical Services, driving yourself to the hospital is not advised. If safe to do so, take a picture of the snake for identification purposes.

Lie down and stay calm, remove jewelry around the swelling. Wash the bite with soap and water and apply a clean dressing. Use a pen to mark the leading edge of the swelling and write the time by it. Do not slash at it or cut it as this could make things worse!