Snakes in virginia & what to do if you are bitten

My mother wants me to avoid the forest behind our house on Virginia Beach. So he warned me repeatedly about Mokasin Air (also known as Cottonmouths). Growing up, I believe that this poisonous snake will chase me through the forest and bite me, and I will die in seconds.

Years later, when hiking together and saw a lot of water mokasin, Mother admitted that she had tried to scare me. The snakes only ignored us or creeped away from our voice – after all, we were much bigger and quite able to hurt him. I realized that as long as I continued to watch the ground and not try to take it, my chance to bite was almost non -existent.

Myth vs. FACT: POKE SNAKS & SNAKS

I know that many adults are more afraid of snakes than anything. They killed every snake they saw – who might really put it in Again danger. If even just thinking about snakes makes your heart beating fast, learning facts can help you coexist with this reptile.

Christopher Holstege, MD, directed the Blue Ridge Poison Center (BRPC), which is part of the UVA Health. BRPC discusses the problem of poison for most central and western virginia. Holstege helped overcome some of the myths and questions of snakes and snakes.

There are more snakes in Virginia this year.

Fact. BRPC has received 24 calls about snake bite in 2025 – and June has just begun. Nationally, around 3,000 venomous snake bites are reported to the US Poison Center every year.

Most snakes come from someone who tries to catch or kill snakes.

Some facts. You might be bitten if you try to take a poisonous snake. If not, the snake tries to hide or run away and only bite as the last choice.

BRPC sees the bite from pedestrians, gardeners, and others who accidentally too close. To reduce your chances of biting:

• Use a flashlight if you walk outdoors after dark.
• Wear trousers and shoes while in snake habitats, such as tall grass, rocky areas, or forests.
• Pay attention where you put your hands and feet.

If you are bitten, you must kill a snake and take it to the hospital with you so that the doctor can identify it.

Myth. If you can take photos safely and quickly, it’s okay. But Holstege said the doctor used the same antivenom for all North American snakes, except for coral snakes, which did not live in Virginia. They don’t need to know what you are.

Plus, if you try to kill snakes, you might be bitten again. And you waste time – you have to go to emergency.

You can suck toxins from snakes.

Myth. The study showed that this was unsuccessful, Holstege said. Plus, placing suction on damaged skin can do more damage.

This cage medicine too not successful and can cause more danger:

• Rotating door
• Cut the wound
• Ice

There is nothing you can do at home to limit damage due to snake poison. Go to the nearest emergency department, quickly.

Many poisonous snakes are fatal.

Some facts, But not in the US depends on the snake and the amount of toxic infected, you may need to:

• Antivenom
• Live in the hospital
• Physical therapy

But if you go to the hospital soon after bite, you will almost certainly make full recovery.

It is more difficult in other parts of the world, where lack of access to health care makes Snakebites the public health crisis. According to the World Health Organization, “There are between 81,410-137,880 deaths and about three times more amputations and other permanent disabilities every year.”

Most poisonous snakes.

Myth. Virginia has 30 species of native snakes, according to the center of Virginia wildlife. Only three venomous people – cottonmouths, copperheads, and wooden scattering snakes.

All swimming snakes are poisonous water mokasin.

Myth. All snakes swim, and people often confuse nonvenomous water snakes for water mokasin. But these snakes are not near us, according to Virginia Herpetological Society. They live in the southeastern part of the state.

The only venomous snake in our area is copper head and wooden foot snake. BRPC mostly sees copper bites. Wooden snakes avoid solid population, such as the city of Charlottesville.

Mothballs kept snakes away.

Myth. Mothball does not keep snakes away. Plus, they can poison children, pets, and other animals. The product advertised as a snake repellent also does not work.

Poison worry?

The poison center offers free and secret advice about snakes, overdose, and other alleged poisoning.

It’s safer to only kill the snake you see, especially if it’s on your page.

Myth. Your fear can be understood, especially if you have a child or pet. But the more you are involved with the snake, the more likely you are to be bitten.

Having a snake that is not venomous can be a good thing, Holstege notes: They kill venomous ones, or at least keep it away.

But to avoid meetings that are not liked in your yard or home, try this recommendation from the Virginia Wildlife Department:

• Remove the area that provides cover and shelter for snakes, including wood or rubbish piles.
• Store grass and other vegetation that is cut or trimmed.
• Make sure your screen and door close.
• Cover cracks and holes in your craft or basement room.
• Check your roof for hanging vegetation. Snakes can climb trees and enter your attic.
• Keep your house free rodents.

This post was updated June 5, 2025.