Snake bites can be a terrifying experience, and unfortunately, they are all too common in certain parts of the world. Until the development of antivenom, snake bites were often fatal, and even today, without prompt treatment, they can be life-threatening.
In 2019, there were several high-profile snake bites caught on camera that highlighted the dangers of these venomous creatures. In this article, we will take a closer look at eight of the most memorable snake bite incidents from that year.
- The King Cobra Bite In August of 2019, a man in India was bitten by a king cobra while trying to take a selfie with the snake. The man was rushed to the hospital, where he was treated with antivenom and made a full recovery. The incident served as a reminder of the dangers of handling venomous snakes, even for experienced handlers.
- The Rattlesnake Attack In June of 2019, a woman in Arizona was bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking. She was airlifted to a hospital and treated with antivenom, but the bite caused significant tissue damage to her leg. This incident highlights the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings when hiking in areas known to have venomous snakes.
- The Black Mamba Strike In May of 2019, a man in South Africa was bitten by a black mamba, one of the deadliest snakes in the world. The man was treated with antivenom and survived, but the incident underscored the need for caution when encountering venomous snakes.
- The Viper Bite In March of 2019, a woman in Texas was bitten by a viper while cleaning out a shed. She was rushed to the hospital and treated with antivenom, but the bite caused significant pain and swelling. This incident serves as a reminder that venomous snakes can be found in unexpected places, and caution should be exercised when working in areas where snakes may be present.
- The Coral Snake Bite In July of 2019, a man in Florida was bitten by a coral snake while attempting to capture the snake. He was treated with anti venom and made a full recovery, but the incident served as a warning that coral snakes should not be handled or approached, as their venom can be extremely potent.
- The Boa Constrictor Attack In February of 2019, a man in Indonesia was attacked by a boa constrictor while attempting to capture it. He suffered bites to his arms and legs but was able to fight off the snake and escape. This incident highlights the importance of using caution when attempting to capture or handle snakes, especially large and potentially aggressive species like boas.
- The Copperhead Bite In September of 2019, a woman in Virginia was bitten by a copperhead snake while gardening. She was treated with antivenom and made a full recovery, but the incident served as a reminder that venomous snakes can be found in residential areas and that caution should be exercised when working outdoors.
- The Python Encounter In January of 2019, a man in Thailand was attacked by a python while attempting to take a selfie with the snake. The python bit the man’s arm, causing significant bleeding. He was treated with antivenom and survived, but the incident served as a warning that snakes should not be approached or handled unless by experienced professionals.
In conclusion, snake bites can be a serious and potentially life-threatening experience. Despite the availability of antivenom, prevention is always the best course of action when dealing with venomous snakes. Whenever possible, it is best to avoid handling or approaching snakes, especially in areas known to have venomous species. If a snake bite does occur, seek immediate medical attention and treatment.