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GAINESVILLE, FL – A new study analyzing 20 years of snakebite cases at UF Health Shands Hospital has revealed a startling trend: a significant portion of venomous snakebites are entirely preventable. The research, published in the Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, highlights the dangers of intentionally interacting with wild snakes.
Researchers, led by Dr. Norman L. Beatty, assistant professor of medicine at UF Health, examined 546 patient records from 2002 to 2022. Their findings indicate that approximately one-third of the snakebites were a result of people actively seeking out and handling wild snakes.
“Typically, people’s experiences with getting bitten are due to an interaction that was inadvertent—they stumble upon a snake or reach for something without seeing one camouflaged,” Dr. Beatty explained. “In this case, people were seeking them out. There were a few individuals who were bitten on more than one occasion.”
The study revealed that the majority (77.8%) of snakebite victims were adult men handling wild snakes. The most common culprits were the pygmy rattlesnake and the cottonmouth. Interestingly, the study also documented bites from less common but highly venomous species, including the eastern coral snake, southern copperhead, timber rattlesnake, and the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, one of North America’s most venomous snakes.
Most bites occurred on the hands and fingers, and approximately 10% of patients attempted outdated self-treatments, such as venom suction, which are no longer recommended.
River Grace, a fourth-year medical student and the paper’s first author, shared a personal connection to the research. “My dad is a reptile biologist, so I’ve grown up around snakes my whole life,” Grace said. “He was bitten by a venomous snake many years ago and ended up hospitalized for multiple weeks, so it was interesting to keep that experience in mind while going over the data.”
Grace also pointed out that many victims delayed seeking medical attention, often spending over an hour traveling to the hospital. “It seems like the reason for that was people not knowing exactly what to do once they’d been bitten, or underestimating the severity of the bite,” he said. “Some would just sit at home for hours.”
Despite the prevalence of venomous snakes in Florida, only three fatalities occurred during the 20-year period. However, researchers emphasized that antivenom is not a cure-all, and complications such as tissue damage and allergic reactions can still occur.
The study underscores the importance of public awareness and education regarding snake safety. Researchers hope to improve emergency room triage procedures and enhance provider education to ensure timely and effective antivenom administration.
The key takeaway, according to the researchers, aligns with common sense: “The best way to avoid getting bitten by a venomous snake is to not go looking for one in the first place.”
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided information and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider1 for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information provided is for educational purposes only. Handling wild animals, especially venomous snakes, can be extremely dangerous. Please respect wildlife and observe from a safe distance.
