The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes annually. (Note: snakes can be venomous, not poisonous—there’s a difference.) Few deaths are attributed to the venomous bites, but the aftermath can be miserable, even life changing.
Rattlesnake venom is largely composed of hemotoxins. So, beyond the initial unfathomably painful bite, and after the instant bleeding and swelling, you can experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and labored breathing. Left untreated, the strike can lead to organ failure, and in some instances, death.
Water and marsh-oriented cottonmouth snakes—colloquially referred to as water moccasins—also carry hemotoxic venom. And past the bodily effects listed for rattlesnake bites, both cottonmouth and rattlesnake bites can cause necrosis, which breaks down blood cells and can lead to temporary or permanent tissue and muscle damage.
The widely distributed copperhead snake also carries hemotoxins, but bites are generally not considered deadly. Yet, a strike is wickedly painful, and you can expect swelling, throbbing, and possible nausea.
The takeaway is avoid getting bitten, but not run scared and avoid outdoor activities. To that, Blocker Outdoors offers an array of snake protection gear. Birders, hikers, bank anglers, and general outdoor enthusiasts active in areas with known snake populations should all consider snake-bite protection.
For more information, visit blockeroutdoors.com.
A humble homesteader based in an undisclosed location, Lars Drecker splits his time between tending his little slice of self-sustaining heaven, and bothering his neighbors to do his work for him. This is mainly the fault of a debilitating predilection for fishing, hunting, camping and all other things outdoors. When not engaged in any of the above activities, you can normally find him broken down on the side of the road, in some piece of junk he just “fixed-up.”
jukk0u says
Leather gaiters?
A better illustration of the product, since… you know, you took the time to write about it, might have helped the story
Jose Perez says
Yep. Long story showing nothing.
Rob says
I went to their website and still can’t figure out what the product is.