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Does two puncture wounds mean venomous snake?
What should you do if you see a rattle snake?What to do if you're bitten by an adder?What are the first aid precautions to be taken in case of a snake bite?Snake on chest while sleeping?When will a rattlesnake strike?Aversion to snakes: How would an outdoors leader go about “curing” this condition in one of her/his charges?Reasonable precautions against copperheads: will being noisy in copperhead habitat cause them to slither away?How dangerous is it to rummage the ground in the mountains of Nevada desert with venomous creatures out there?Is there any evidence that suction devices are helpful for snake bites?Mimosa Pudica (touch-me-not) medicinal uses and edibility
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The general internet knowledge says. If there is two puncture wounds it means you got bitten by the fangs of a venomous snake.
snakes rattlesnakes medical-emergencies
add a comment |
The general internet knowledge says. If there is two puncture wounds it means you got bitten by the fangs of a venomous snake.
snakes rattlesnakes medical-emergencies
2
The exception would be a coral snake, which has to "chew" on you a little since the stubby fangs are in the back of the jaw. So that bite may look like a non-venomous snake like a rat snake, etc.
– ivanivan
11 hours ago
@ivanivan how many exceptions exist roughly?
– Delta Oscar Uniform
11 hours ago
3
For exceptions you start getting into "what part of the world am I in" and "have idiots released other snakes into the wild". But as far as native to North America, I think the coral snake is the only snake exception. Gila monsters are venomous as well, and they'd need to chew too, but that is a lizard not a snake. Also be aware that snake mouths can just be nasty with bacteria, etc. so even a non-venomous bite from a rat snake or similar could introduce some really bad things to your system...
– ivanivan
11 hours ago
3
Alternatively, you got hit with a stapler.
– John Hughes
8 hours ago
add a comment |
The general internet knowledge says. If there is two puncture wounds it means you got bitten by the fangs of a venomous snake.
snakes rattlesnakes medical-emergencies
The general internet knowledge says. If there is two puncture wounds it means you got bitten by the fangs of a venomous snake.
snakes rattlesnakes medical-emergencies
snakes rattlesnakes medical-emergencies
edited 13 hours ago
Delta Oscar Uniform
asked 15 hours ago
Delta Oscar UniformDelta Oscar Uniform
1476 bronze badges
1476 bronze badges
2
The exception would be a coral snake, which has to "chew" on you a little since the stubby fangs are in the back of the jaw. So that bite may look like a non-venomous snake like a rat snake, etc.
– ivanivan
11 hours ago
@ivanivan how many exceptions exist roughly?
– Delta Oscar Uniform
11 hours ago
3
For exceptions you start getting into "what part of the world am I in" and "have idiots released other snakes into the wild". But as far as native to North America, I think the coral snake is the only snake exception. Gila monsters are venomous as well, and they'd need to chew too, but that is a lizard not a snake. Also be aware that snake mouths can just be nasty with bacteria, etc. so even a non-venomous bite from a rat snake or similar could introduce some really bad things to your system...
– ivanivan
11 hours ago
3
Alternatively, you got hit with a stapler.
– John Hughes
8 hours ago
add a comment |
2
The exception would be a coral snake, which has to "chew" on you a little since the stubby fangs are in the back of the jaw. So that bite may look like a non-venomous snake like a rat snake, etc.
– ivanivan
11 hours ago
@ivanivan how many exceptions exist roughly?
– Delta Oscar Uniform
11 hours ago
3
For exceptions you start getting into "what part of the world am I in" and "have idiots released other snakes into the wild". But as far as native to North America, I think the coral snake is the only snake exception. Gila monsters are venomous as well, and they'd need to chew too, but that is a lizard not a snake. Also be aware that snake mouths can just be nasty with bacteria, etc. so even a non-venomous bite from a rat snake or similar could introduce some really bad things to your system...
– ivanivan
11 hours ago
3
Alternatively, you got hit with a stapler.
– John Hughes
8 hours ago
2
2
The exception would be a coral snake, which has to "chew" on you a little since the stubby fangs are in the back of the jaw. So that bite may look like a non-venomous snake like a rat snake, etc.
– ivanivan
11 hours ago
The exception would be a coral snake, which has to "chew" on you a little since the stubby fangs are in the back of the jaw. So that bite may look like a non-venomous snake like a rat snake, etc.
– ivanivan
11 hours ago
@ivanivan how many exceptions exist roughly?
– Delta Oscar Uniform
11 hours ago
@ivanivan how many exceptions exist roughly?
– Delta Oscar Uniform
11 hours ago
3
3
For exceptions you start getting into "what part of the world am I in" and "have idiots released other snakes into the wild". But as far as native to North America, I think the coral snake is the only snake exception. Gila monsters are venomous as well, and they'd need to chew too, but that is a lizard not a snake. Also be aware that snake mouths can just be nasty with bacteria, etc. so even a non-venomous bite from a rat snake or similar could introduce some really bad things to your system...
– ivanivan
11 hours ago
For exceptions you start getting into "what part of the world am I in" and "have idiots released other snakes into the wild". But as far as native to North America, I think the coral snake is the only snake exception. Gila monsters are venomous as well, and they'd need to chew too, but that is a lizard not a snake. Also be aware that snake mouths can just be nasty with bacteria, etc. so even a non-venomous bite from a rat snake or similar could introduce some really bad things to your system...
– ivanivan
11 hours ago
3
3
Alternatively, you got hit with a stapler.
– John Hughes
8 hours ago
Alternatively, you got hit with a stapler.
– John Hughes
8 hours ago
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
I'd suggest being very careful with information about venomous snakes on the internet. The reason is the USA's traditional preponderance on that medium (particularly the English-speaking portion of it).
The USA is somewhat unusual in that almost all venomous snakes one is likely to encounter are Pit Vipers. These snakes have a special muscle for pumping venom through special extra-long fangs, so all they really have to do is poke you good with the fangs. That muscle also gives them a very recognizable triangular-shaped head.
The only real exception in the continental USA is the Coral Snake, which does happen to be super deadly, but is also very rare, shy, and geographically confined to the Gulf region. So in the USA traditionally a lot of helpful information created and published about dealing with "poisonous (venomous) snakes" is really just information about Pit Vipers.
In most of the rest of the world, the dangerous venomous snakes you are likely to run into are much more likely to be elapids (like the Coral Snake). As one of the comments mentioned, these snakes have very small fangs, and generally have to chew a bit on the victim to get a good injection. So with a bite from one of them, most likely you'll see more than just two small punctures.*
However, if you happen to be US-based as well, this is probably pretty good advice. Just don't go around thinking its applicable worldwide.
* - I think the victim is also unlikely to live from a good elapid bite, so perhaps practically the advice still holds in this case.
New contributor
Also, while researching this, I discovered that a small % of animal related deaths in the USA are caused by Cone snails, which use a single fang. In that (admittedly rare) case you'd probably see one puncture.
– T.E.D.
5 hours ago
One update: I noticed the OQ's profile claims residence in Turkey. So I looked up Turkey, and indeed almost all the venomous snakes there are Vipers (not pit vipers, but vipers). So perhaps a lot of this advice is as good there as it is for the USA.
– T.E.D.
2 hours ago
add a comment |
According to this article: How to identify and treat snake bites - yes this does seem to be something which some people state as accurate.
Venomous snakes have two fangs that deliver venom when they bite. A venomous snake bite will usually leave two clear puncture marks. In contrast, a nonvenomous bite tends to leave two rows of teeth marks.
However, there are more symptoms to bear in mind as well:
It can be difficult to tell the difference between puncture wounds from venomous and nonvenomous snakes. People should seek medical attention for all snake bites.
The typical symptoms of a venomous snake bite include:
- two puncture wounds
- swelling and pain around the bite area
- redness and bruising around the bite area
- numbness of the face, especially in the mouth
- elevated heart rate
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness
- weakness
- headaches
- blurred vision
- excessive sweating
- fever
- thirst
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fainting
- convulsions
Therefore whilst this may well be a fact, it may not be reliable when diagnosing a bite. You're going to be better off getting some idea of what the snake is. This would be dependant on the area you're in, so make sure to get a good idea of the species in an area you plan to travel where it is likely you may risk a bite.
From my React Right first aid course material (sorry can't actually link to this) one of the restirctions on treating a snake bite state:
If possible, identify but do not attempt to capture or kill the snake.
As medical providers will need to know what the snake is, and it could be hard to tell from your swollen, red, painful bite wound.
And if you don't know what kind of snake it was, does it really matter? In a place with multiple kinds of venomous snakes you need to know what kind of antivenom to use.
– James Jenkins
12 hours ago
This is true, you're much better off getting a view of the snake - though... hold on I can add something for this.
– Aravona
12 hours ago
That article is standard North-America-only advice.
– Mark
5 hours ago
add a comment |
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2 Answers
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2 Answers
2
active
oldest
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I'd suggest being very careful with information about venomous snakes on the internet. The reason is the USA's traditional preponderance on that medium (particularly the English-speaking portion of it).
The USA is somewhat unusual in that almost all venomous snakes one is likely to encounter are Pit Vipers. These snakes have a special muscle for pumping venom through special extra-long fangs, so all they really have to do is poke you good with the fangs. That muscle also gives them a very recognizable triangular-shaped head.
The only real exception in the continental USA is the Coral Snake, which does happen to be super deadly, but is also very rare, shy, and geographically confined to the Gulf region. So in the USA traditionally a lot of helpful information created and published about dealing with "poisonous (venomous) snakes" is really just information about Pit Vipers.
In most of the rest of the world, the dangerous venomous snakes you are likely to run into are much more likely to be elapids (like the Coral Snake). As one of the comments mentioned, these snakes have very small fangs, and generally have to chew a bit on the victim to get a good injection. So with a bite from one of them, most likely you'll see more than just two small punctures.*
However, if you happen to be US-based as well, this is probably pretty good advice. Just don't go around thinking its applicable worldwide.
* - I think the victim is also unlikely to live from a good elapid bite, so perhaps practically the advice still holds in this case.
New contributor
Also, while researching this, I discovered that a small % of animal related deaths in the USA are caused by Cone snails, which use a single fang. In that (admittedly rare) case you'd probably see one puncture.
– T.E.D.
5 hours ago
One update: I noticed the OQ's profile claims residence in Turkey. So I looked up Turkey, and indeed almost all the venomous snakes there are Vipers (not pit vipers, but vipers). So perhaps a lot of this advice is as good there as it is for the USA.
– T.E.D.
2 hours ago
add a comment |
I'd suggest being very careful with information about venomous snakes on the internet. The reason is the USA's traditional preponderance on that medium (particularly the English-speaking portion of it).
The USA is somewhat unusual in that almost all venomous snakes one is likely to encounter are Pit Vipers. These snakes have a special muscle for pumping venom through special extra-long fangs, so all they really have to do is poke you good with the fangs. That muscle also gives them a very recognizable triangular-shaped head.
The only real exception in the continental USA is the Coral Snake, which does happen to be super deadly, but is also very rare, shy, and geographically confined to the Gulf region. So in the USA traditionally a lot of helpful information created and published about dealing with "poisonous (venomous) snakes" is really just information about Pit Vipers.
In most of the rest of the world, the dangerous venomous snakes you are likely to run into are much more likely to be elapids (like the Coral Snake). As one of the comments mentioned, these snakes have very small fangs, and generally have to chew a bit on the victim to get a good injection. So with a bite from one of them, most likely you'll see more than just two small punctures.*
However, if you happen to be US-based as well, this is probably pretty good advice. Just don't go around thinking its applicable worldwide.
* - I think the victim is also unlikely to live from a good elapid bite, so perhaps practically the advice still holds in this case.
New contributor
Also, while researching this, I discovered that a small % of animal related deaths in the USA are caused by Cone snails, which use a single fang. In that (admittedly rare) case you'd probably see one puncture.
– T.E.D.
5 hours ago
One update: I noticed the OQ's profile claims residence in Turkey. So I looked up Turkey, and indeed almost all the venomous snakes there are Vipers (not pit vipers, but vipers). So perhaps a lot of this advice is as good there as it is for the USA.
– T.E.D.
2 hours ago
add a comment |
I'd suggest being very careful with information about venomous snakes on the internet. The reason is the USA's traditional preponderance on that medium (particularly the English-speaking portion of it).
The USA is somewhat unusual in that almost all venomous snakes one is likely to encounter are Pit Vipers. These snakes have a special muscle for pumping venom through special extra-long fangs, so all they really have to do is poke you good with the fangs. That muscle also gives them a very recognizable triangular-shaped head.
The only real exception in the continental USA is the Coral Snake, which does happen to be super deadly, but is also very rare, shy, and geographically confined to the Gulf region. So in the USA traditionally a lot of helpful information created and published about dealing with "poisonous (venomous) snakes" is really just information about Pit Vipers.
In most of the rest of the world, the dangerous venomous snakes you are likely to run into are much more likely to be elapids (like the Coral Snake). As one of the comments mentioned, these snakes have very small fangs, and generally have to chew a bit on the victim to get a good injection. So with a bite from one of them, most likely you'll see more than just two small punctures.*
However, if you happen to be US-based as well, this is probably pretty good advice. Just don't go around thinking its applicable worldwide.
* - I think the victim is also unlikely to live from a good elapid bite, so perhaps practically the advice still holds in this case.
New contributor
I'd suggest being very careful with information about venomous snakes on the internet. The reason is the USA's traditional preponderance on that medium (particularly the English-speaking portion of it).
The USA is somewhat unusual in that almost all venomous snakes one is likely to encounter are Pit Vipers. These snakes have a special muscle for pumping venom through special extra-long fangs, so all they really have to do is poke you good with the fangs. That muscle also gives them a very recognizable triangular-shaped head.
The only real exception in the continental USA is the Coral Snake, which does happen to be super deadly, but is also very rare, shy, and geographically confined to the Gulf region. So in the USA traditionally a lot of helpful information created and published about dealing with "poisonous (venomous) snakes" is really just information about Pit Vipers.
In most of the rest of the world, the dangerous venomous snakes you are likely to run into are much more likely to be elapids (like the Coral Snake). As one of the comments mentioned, these snakes have very small fangs, and generally have to chew a bit on the victim to get a good injection. So with a bite from one of them, most likely you'll see more than just two small punctures.*
However, if you happen to be US-based as well, this is probably pretty good advice. Just don't go around thinking its applicable worldwide.
* - I think the victim is also unlikely to live from a good elapid bite, so perhaps practically the advice still holds in this case.
New contributor
edited 2 hours ago
New contributor
answered 6 hours ago
T.E.D.T.E.D.
2163 bronze badges
2163 bronze badges
New contributor
New contributor
Also, while researching this, I discovered that a small % of animal related deaths in the USA are caused by Cone snails, which use a single fang. In that (admittedly rare) case you'd probably see one puncture.
– T.E.D.
5 hours ago
One update: I noticed the OQ's profile claims residence in Turkey. So I looked up Turkey, and indeed almost all the venomous snakes there are Vipers (not pit vipers, but vipers). So perhaps a lot of this advice is as good there as it is for the USA.
– T.E.D.
2 hours ago
add a comment |
Also, while researching this, I discovered that a small % of animal related deaths in the USA are caused by Cone snails, which use a single fang. In that (admittedly rare) case you'd probably see one puncture.
– T.E.D.
5 hours ago
One update: I noticed the OQ's profile claims residence in Turkey. So I looked up Turkey, and indeed almost all the venomous snakes there are Vipers (not pit vipers, but vipers). So perhaps a lot of this advice is as good there as it is for the USA.
– T.E.D.
2 hours ago
Also, while researching this, I discovered that a small % of animal related deaths in the USA are caused by Cone snails, which use a single fang. In that (admittedly rare) case you'd probably see one puncture.
– T.E.D.
5 hours ago
Also, while researching this, I discovered that a small % of animal related deaths in the USA are caused by Cone snails, which use a single fang. In that (admittedly rare) case you'd probably see one puncture.
– T.E.D.
5 hours ago
One update: I noticed the OQ's profile claims residence in Turkey. So I looked up Turkey, and indeed almost all the venomous snakes there are Vipers (not pit vipers, but vipers). So perhaps a lot of this advice is as good there as it is for the USA.
– T.E.D.
2 hours ago
One update: I noticed the OQ's profile claims residence in Turkey. So I looked up Turkey, and indeed almost all the venomous snakes there are Vipers (not pit vipers, but vipers). So perhaps a lot of this advice is as good there as it is for the USA.
– T.E.D.
2 hours ago
add a comment |
According to this article: How to identify and treat snake bites - yes this does seem to be something which some people state as accurate.
Venomous snakes have two fangs that deliver venom when they bite. A venomous snake bite will usually leave two clear puncture marks. In contrast, a nonvenomous bite tends to leave two rows of teeth marks.
However, there are more symptoms to bear in mind as well:
It can be difficult to tell the difference between puncture wounds from venomous and nonvenomous snakes. People should seek medical attention for all snake bites.
The typical symptoms of a venomous snake bite include:
- two puncture wounds
- swelling and pain around the bite area
- redness and bruising around the bite area
- numbness of the face, especially in the mouth
- elevated heart rate
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness
- weakness
- headaches
- blurred vision
- excessive sweating
- fever
- thirst
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fainting
- convulsions
Therefore whilst this may well be a fact, it may not be reliable when diagnosing a bite. You're going to be better off getting some idea of what the snake is. This would be dependant on the area you're in, so make sure to get a good idea of the species in an area you plan to travel where it is likely you may risk a bite.
From my React Right first aid course material (sorry can't actually link to this) one of the restirctions on treating a snake bite state:
If possible, identify but do not attempt to capture or kill the snake.
As medical providers will need to know what the snake is, and it could be hard to tell from your swollen, red, painful bite wound.
And if you don't know what kind of snake it was, does it really matter? In a place with multiple kinds of venomous snakes you need to know what kind of antivenom to use.
– James Jenkins
12 hours ago
This is true, you're much better off getting a view of the snake - though... hold on I can add something for this.
– Aravona
12 hours ago
That article is standard North-America-only advice.
– Mark
5 hours ago
add a comment |
According to this article: How to identify and treat snake bites - yes this does seem to be something which some people state as accurate.
Venomous snakes have two fangs that deliver venom when they bite. A venomous snake bite will usually leave two clear puncture marks. In contrast, a nonvenomous bite tends to leave two rows of teeth marks.
However, there are more symptoms to bear in mind as well:
It can be difficult to tell the difference between puncture wounds from venomous and nonvenomous snakes. People should seek medical attention for all snake bites.
The typical symptoms of a venomous snake bite include:
- two puncture wounds
- swelling and pain around the bite area
- redness and bruising around the bite area
- numbness of the face, especially in the mouth
- elevated heart rate
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness
- weakness
- headaches
- blurred vision
- excessive sweating
- fever
- thirst
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fainting
- convulsions
Therefore whilst this may well be a fact, it may not be reliable when diagnosing a bite. You're going to be better off getting some idea of what the snake is. This would be dependant on the area you're in, so make sure to get a good idea of the species in an area you plan to travel where it is likely you may risk a bite.
From my React Right first aid course material (sorry can't actually link to this) one of the restirctions on treating a snake bite state:
If possible, identify but do not attempt to capture or kill the snake.
As medical providers will need to know what the snake is, and it could be hard to tell from your swollen, red, painful bite wound.
And if you don't know what kind of snake it was, does it really matter? In a place with multiple kinds of venomous snakes you need to know what kind of antivenom to use.
– James Jenkins
12 hours ago
This is true, you're much better off getting a view of the snake - though... hold on I can add something for this.
– Aravona
12 hours ago
That article is standard North-America-only advice.
– Mark
5 hours ago
add a comment |
According to this article: How to identify and treat snake bites - yes this does seem to be something which some people state as accurate.
Venomous snakes have two fangs that deliver venom when they bite. A venomous snake bite will usually leave two clear puncture marks. In contrast, a nonvenomous bite tends to leave two rows of teeth marks.
However, there are more symptoms to bear in mind as well:
It can be difficult to tell the difference between puncture wounds from venomous and nonvenomous snakes. People should seek medical attention for all snake bites.
The typical symptoms of a venomous snake bite include:
- two puncture wounds
- swelling and pain around the bite area
- redness and bruising around the bite area
- numbness of the face, especially in the mouth
- elevated heart rate
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness
- weakness
- headaches
- blurred vision
- excessive sweating
- fever
- thirst
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fainting
- convulsions
Therefore whilst this may well be a fact, it may not be reliable when diagnosing a bite. You're going to be better off getting some idea of what the snake is. This would be dependant on the area you're in, so make sure to get a good idea of the species in an area you plan to travel where it is likely you may risk a bite.
From my React Right first aid course material (sorry can't actually link to this) one of the restirctions on treating a snake bite state:
If possible, identify but do not attempt to capture or kill the snake.
As medical providers will need to know what the snake is, and it could be hard to tell from your swollen, red, painful bite wound.
According to this article: How to identify and treat snake bites - yes this does seem to be something which some people state as accurate.
Venomous snakes have two fangs that deliver venom when they bite. A venomous snake bite will usually leave two clear puncture marks. In contrast, a nonvenomous bite tends to leave two rows of teeth marks.
However, there are more symptoms to bear in mind as well:
It can be difficult to tell the difference between puncture wounds from venomous and nonvenomous snakes. People should seek medical attention for all snake bites.
The typical symptoms of a venomous snake bite include:
- two puncture wounds
- swelling and pain around the bite area
- redness and bruising around the bite area
- numbness of the face, especially in the mouth
- elevated heart rate
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness
- weakness
- headaches
- blurred vision
- excessive sweating
- fever
- thirst
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fainting
- convulsions
Therefore whilst this may well be a fact, it may not be reliable when diagnosing a bite. You're going to be better off getting some idea of what the snake is. This would be dependant on the area you're in, so make sure to get a good idea of the species in an area you plan to travel where it is likely you may risk a bite.
From my React Right first aid course material (sorry can't actually link to this) one of the restirctions on treating a snake bite state:
If possible, identify but do not attempt to capture or kill the snake.
As medical providers will need to know what the snake is, and it could be hard to tell from your swollen, red, painful bite wound.
edited 11 hours ago
answered 14 hours ago
AravonaAravona
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And if you don't know what kind of snake it was, does it really matter? In a place with multiple kinds of venomous snakes you need to know what kind of antivenom to use.
– James Jenkins
12 hours ago
This is true, you're much better off getting a view of the snake - though... hold on I can add something for this.
– Aravona
12 hours ago
That article is standard North-America-only advice.
– Mark
5 hours ago
add a comment |
And if you don't know what kind of snake it was, does it really matter? In a place with multiple kinds of venomous snakes you need to know what kind of antivenom to use.
– James Jenkins
12 hours ago
This is true, you're much better off getting a view of the snake - though... hold on I can add something for this.
– Aravona
12 hours ago
That article is standard North-America-only advice.
– Mark
5 hours ago
And if you don't know what kind of snake it was, does it really matter? In a place with multiple kinds of venomous snakes you need to know what kind of antivenom to use.
– James Jenkins
12 hours ago
And if you don't know what kind of snake it was, does it really matter? In a place with multiple kinds of venomous snakes you need to know what kind of antivenom to use.
– James Jenkins
12 hours ago
This is true, you're much better off getting a view of the snake - though... hold on I can add something for this.
– Aravona
12 hours ago
This is true, you're much better off getting a view of the snake - though... hold on I can add something for this.
– Aravona
12 hours ago
That article is standard North-America-only advice.
– Mark
5 hours ago
That article is standard North-America-only advice.
– Mark
5 hours ago
add a comment |
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2
The exception would be a coral snake, which has to "chew" on you a little since the stubby fangs are in the back of the jaw. So that bite may look like a non-venomous snake like a rat snake, etc.
– ivanivan
11 hours ago
@ivanivan how many exceptions exist roughly?
– Delta Oscar Uniform
11 hours ago
3
For exceptions you start getting into "what part of the world am I in" and "have idiots released other snakes into the wild". But as far as native to North America, I think the coral snake is the only snake exception. Gila monsters are venomous as well, and they'd need to chew too, but that is a lizard not a snake. Also be aware that snake mouths can just be nasty with bacteria, etc. so even a non-venomous bite from a rat snake or similar could introduce some really bad things to your system...
– ivanivan
11 hours ago
3
Alternatively, you got hit with a stapler.
– John Hughes
8 hours ago