It’s rattlesnake season in Charlotte. What should you do if one bites you?

Evan Moore
·4 min read

Warm weather leads to more copperhead and rattlesnake activity in Charlotte, meaning the chances of a bite are significantly higher.

Though copperhead bites are more common, around 7,000 rattlesnake bites are reported annually in the U.S., N.C. Wildlife Conservation Biologist Bret Ladrie told The Charlotte Observer.

Ladrie said rattlesnakes don’t seek out humans to bite them — but they can strike if they sense a threat.

“Rattlesnakes aren’t likely to engage in aggressive behavior, but they will defend themselves,” said Ladrie. “Most bites occur when people try to pick them up or try to kill them.”

Here’s what to do (and what not to do) if you’re bitten by a rattlesnake, what to do if you don’t have cell service when bitten and how to avoid bites altogether.

What to do if you’re bitten by a rattlesnake

Aside from calling 911, Ladrie said the first step after a rattlesnake bite is the toughest: staying calm.

“The faster your blood is pumping, the faster it’ll move through your system,” said Ladrie. “You need to do everything you can to keep your heart rate as low as possible.”

Ladrie also suggested removing any jewelry, such as watches, rings and bracelets, near the bite site that could constrict the wound, then washing the wound with soap and water.

North Carolina Poison Control also recommends keeping the bitten area still, and if possible, raising it to heart level.

What to do if you are bitten by a snake and don’t have a cell signal

If you find yourself in a remote area with no cell service, there are still ways you can call for help.

Many satellite emergency communicators can send text messages and have an SOS feature to send coordinates.

Some iPhone users can make an SOS call through the lock screen. The call will automatically call a local emergency number and share your location information, according to Apple. One thing to consider, iPhone 14 phone models and those after can use the emergency SOS feature with only satellite and not cellular data or WiFi coverage.

If you’re lost, you can try getting back to a cell service area by using a handheld GPS, compass or map to help get you back, according to the National Park Service.

Following drainage or stream downhill can be used as a last resort if you’re lost and have no way to get help, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

What not to do if you’re bitten by a rattlesnake

Despite popular belief, Ladrie said those suffering from a rattlesnake bite should not try to cut the wound, ice the affected area or suck the venom out, since those methods can make the injury worse.

Tourniquets and tight bandages should also be avoided, Ladrie said.

Constricting the venom to one part of the body can trap venom in the affected limb, increasing the chances of tissue damage, according to the National Institutes of Health.

How can you tell if you’ve been bitten by a rattlesnake? What happens to the body?

If you experience any of the following symptoms while on a hike, you may have been bitten by a rattlesnake, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • A pair of puncture marks at the wound

  • Redness and swelling around the bite

  • Severe pain at the site of the bite

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Labored breathing

  • Disturbed vision

  • Increased salivation and sweating

  • Numbness or tingling around your face or limbs

How to avoid snake bites

You can avoid snake bites by using the following tips, from the American Academy of Family Physicians:

  • Avoid places where snakes may live, such as tall grass, rocky areas, fallen logs and marshes.

  • Poke around at the ground in front of you with a long stick when moving through tall grass or weeds to scare away snakes.

  • Watch where you step or sit when outdoors.

  • Wear loose, long pants and high, thick leather or rubber boots.

  • Shine a flashlight on your path when walking outside at night.

  • Never handle a snake, even when you think it’s dead (a dead snake can still bite you).

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