Snakes are mostly harmless to humans. These reptiles usually do not attack humans. However, improper handling or treatment of them can lead to unfortunate accidents. Some of them are venomous and their bites can be fatal. Let’s see snake bite death statistics.
Research shows that about 81,000 to 138,000 people die every year. India holds the top position for snake mortality with 50,000+ deaths per year, while the USA stands in a good position when it comes to snakebite mortality. Still, every year at least 5 people die from snake bites in the US.
You need to be aware of venomous and non-venomous snakes to avoid health risks. Let me help you with this article on how you can stay safe along with detailed statistics on snakebite mortality.
What Does the Snake Bite Death Statistics Say?
Before anything else, let me show you details stats on snake bite deaths around the world:
- Every year, about 4.5 to 5.4 million people get bitten by different snake species around the world
- Annual deaths caused by snakebites stand between 81,000 and 138,000 people
- India is the epicenter of snakebite deaths. The country witnesses more than 50,000 deaths each year because of snake bites.
- Snakebite deaths are relatively less in the United States. About 5 people die in the country because of venomous snakes
- There are 200 venomous species of snakes and they are found about in 168 countries
- 30 venomous snake species have been identified in the United States. You will find at least one venomous species in almost every state. Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Alaska are the only exceptions. There are no venomous snakes in these states.
- Snakebites are most frequent in North Carolina in the USA. 19 out of 100,000 get bitten by snakes in the state
Why Do Snakes Bite Humans?
As a reptile enthusiast, I would like to defend these animals here. Snakes usually do not make the first attack on humans. They tend to avoid human interactions. The incidents that happen are mostly out of panic. Here are some of the common reasons why these reptiles bite humans.
1. Accidental Encounters
Wild snakes usually hide themselves from other animals, especially during the daytime. People often cannot see them and step on them. Stepping on them is the most common reason for which snakes bite humans.
You have to be careful where snakes live. Walk carefully and watch your steps. Snakes will do no harm to you if you do not scare them. They get scared and panicked when they get stepped on. You must keep your eyes on the ground while walking in forests. You should look for different types of carpet pythons to pet if you are a beginner.
2. Feeling Cornered or Threatened
You must keep your calm if you ever encounter snakes accidentally. Do not rush at them. They can get scared and bite you out of impulse. Instead, you should keep your gaze on them. And gently cross them. They are not going to disturb you either.
What if they come to your house? In that case, you should stay away from them. Contact the responsible authority for help. They become aggressive when you try to hit or hurt them.
3. Misinterpretation of Movements
Another common issue of snakebites. This happens to new snake owners sometimes. You should start with a nonvenomous snake like a milk snake to gain experience. Anyway, you need to be gentle, polite, and smooth with your movements.
Sudden movements can startle snakes and cause panic to them. They may not understand your move and attack you or envenom you to defend themselves. Maintaining a calm and still demeanor is key to dealing with snakes.
4. To Protect Their Young
Though usually harmless and gentle, female snakes become aggressive when guarding their eggs. You must not interfere with the eggs. This angers them and they may attack you. Keeping a safe distance from the eggs is recommended even if the snake is your pet.
How to Identify Venomous Snakes?
There are about 2500 different species of snakes that have been identified. However, not all of them are venomous. Studies show that there are about 200 venomous snakes. Identifying venomous snakes won’t be much difficult. These snakes share some common features, such as:
| Characteristic | Venomous Snakes |
| Head Shape | Triangular or diamond-shaped head |
| Pupils | Vertical (like a cat’s) |
| Body Shape | Stout or heavy-bodied |
| Tail | Short tail with a rattle (for rattlesnakes) |
| Coloration | Often brightly colored or have distinctive patterns |
| Scales | Single row of scales on the underside of the tail (for pit vipers) |
- Flat and latterly compressed tails. Observing the tails of a snake is a good way to tell whether they are venomous or not. Snakes with short and blunt tails are not venomous. However, if the tail is round or cylindrical, it can be either venomous or non venomous.
- Venomous snakes mostly have vertical pupils, similar to cats
- Snakes with venoms have large scales. However, the belly is completely free of scales.
- Maintain your distance from triangular or diamond-shaped head snakes. They are usually venomous
- Stout or heavy-bodies snakes are venomous
- Snakes with bright and vibrant colors with distinctive patterns are venomous. However, there are some exceptions to it. Milk snakes, for example, are colorful but not venomous.
What to Do When You Spot A Venomous Snake?
You must not panic upon noticing a snake, whether it is venomous or not. You could startle them and they may act aggressively. Here is what you need to do in such conditions:
- Stay calm and keep a safe distance from the snake. You must avoid sudden movements as well
- Observe the snake intently and try to identify it. Check if it meets the requirements of a venomous snake. Do not get close, though. Inspect from a safe spot
- Avoid provoking the snake or trying to handle it. Most snakes prefer to retreat instead of confronting humans. It will back down on its own.
- Move slowly and steadily to create distance. Make an escape route for the snake. Do not block its path
- Alert others about the presence of the snake to avoid accidental encounters. You must keep children and snakes away from the reptile
- Call local animal control or a snake removal expert
What to Do If a Snake Bites You?
You must remain calm if you accidentally get bitten. I know it is easy to panic but you should hold your breath. Keep the bitten spot elevated from your heart. Keep taking deep breaths and focus on staying still.
You must not wait for symptoms to show up. Contact for emergency medical help. It will be helpful for the doctor if you can identify the snake species. You must remove all jewelry or accessories around the bitten area.
Avoid moving the limb too much, better to stay standstill. You must not apply ice or tourniquets as they can worsen the condition. And by any means, you must never suck out the venom. Watching this video might be helpful for you.
How to Keep Venomous Snakes Away from Residence
It is difficult to maintain your calm when snakes appear. You can take some steps to keep them away from your residence in the first place. Here are some effective ways to do it:
- Keep the area around your residence free of debris, woodpiles, and tall grass
- Seal any gaps or cracks in the foundation, walls, and windows to prevent snakes from entering the home.
- Regularly trim grass, bushes, and other vegetation near your home to reduce potential hiding spots for snakes
- Trans bins attract rodents, which in turn attract snakes. Ensure that trash bins are tightly sealed
- Consider using snake repellents or natural deterrents around your property
- Install snake-proof fencing around your property, especially in areas prone to snake activity.
A List of Venomous Snakes
Here is a list of commonly seen venomous snakes in the United States. You must keep a distance from these snakes.
| Snake Name | Color | Pattern | Length |
| Inland Taipan | Light tan to dark brown | Variable; often plain | Up to 6.6 feet |
| Black Mamba | Gray or olive-brown | Uniform color with a pale belly | Up to 14 feet |
| Coastal Taipan | Dark brown | Variable; often plain | Up to 8.2 feet |
| Belcher’s Sea Snake | Black and yellow bands | Banded pattern | Up to 3.3 feet |
| King Cobra | Olive-green with yellow bands | Crossbands on the body and a hood | Up to 18.7 feet |
| Puff Adder | Light background with dark bands | Zigzag or chevron pattern | Up to 3.9 feet |
| Russell’s Viper | Light background with dark bands | Chain-like pattern on the back | Up to 5.6 feet |
| Eastern Brown Snake | Variable; tan to dark brown | Variable; often bands or speckles | Up to 7.2 feet |
| Saw-scaled Viper | Light brown with saw-like scales | Crossbands and saw-like scales | Up to 2.6 feet |
| Many-banded Krait | Black and white bands | Alternating black and white bands | Up to 3.3 feet |
A List of Non-venomous Snakes
You may freak out non-venomous snakes sometimes. It would be better if you could know which are common in the United States.
| Snake Name | Color | Pattern | Length |
| Corn Snake | Orange, red, brown, and black | Checkered pattern with smooth scales | Up to 5.9 feet |
| Garter Snake | Varied colors including green, brown, and red | Striped or checkered pattern | Up to 4 feet |
| Ball Python | Brown, black, and gold | Blotchy or patterned with scales forming a “ball” | Up to 4 feet |
| Rat Snake | Gray, brown, or yellow | Typically a striped or blotched pattern | Up to 7 feet |
| California Kingsnake | Black, white, and yellow | Banded pattern with distinct rings | Up to 4 feet |
| Eastern Indigo Snake | Shiny blue-black | Solid color with no distinct pattern | Up to 8.5 feet |
| Common Boa Constrictor | Various colors including red, orange, and brown | Varied patterns with saddles or circles | Up to 13 feet |
| Green Tree Python | Bright green | Scales form a mosaic or diamond pattern | Up to 6 feet |
| Rough Green Snake | Bright green | Smooth scales with a light-colored belly | Up to 3.3 feet |
| Rosy Boa | Pink, brown, and cream | Blotchy pattern with distinct bands | Up to 3 feet |
| Milk Snake | Red, black, and yellow | Banded pattern resembling that of the venomous Coral Snake | Up to 3.9 feet |
FAQ
Do pet snakes bite their owners?
Yes, snake owners can get bitten by their pet snakes. Though it is rare, not impossible. 12% of python owners have reported being bitten at least once by their reptile friend. You must be careful while dealing with them.
What is the mortality rate for snake bites?
The global mortality rate for snakebite envenoming is below 0.1%. For males, it is 0.9 deaths per 100,000 and 0.7 deaths per 100,000 for females. However, you should still take the problem with seriousness and take immediate medical treatment.
Which snake causes the most human deaths?
The saw-scaled viper is known as the deadliest snake. The snake is responsible for more human deaths than all other species combined. Its venom is lethal and it gets aggressive quicker than other snakes. You must not provoke it if you ever encounter them.
Which country has the most deadly snakes?
Australia is believed to have the most deadly snakes in the world. A survey shows that among 25 of the most toxic snakes, 21 originated in Australia. However, these snakes mostly stay away from the locality. Therefore, you do not hear of them so often.
Can you survive a king cobra bite?
Yes, it is quite possible to survive a king cobra bite if treated properly in time. You must not delay the treatment. Otherwise, snakebites are not usually fatal. With proper treatment in time, you can survive any snake bite, including king cobras.
Conclusion
From the snake bite death statistics, it is clear that ignoring their bite is not wise. You must take immediate first aid and then see a doctor. Though the USA is not on top of the mortality list, you should still be careful. Take necessary steps to keep snakes away from your house.
Check the above-mentioned instructions again. Be aware of the venomous snakes and do not lose your patience when spotting one of them. You will be safe in this way.