Most copperheads tested have struck out immediately when they felt threatened. The exciting news (at least for the researchers) is that the copperhead is different from the others. The same has been true for canebrake rattlesnakes although too few have been tested to declare that they are as passive as cottonmouths. Gibbons stood beside have made threat displays but have not bitten the researcher's boot. The snakes just want us to leave them alone. These displays are merely warnings not to tread on them.
Even some non-venomous snakes vibrate their tails. Most rattlesnakes vibrate their tails and most cottonmouths sit with mouth open when a human comes near. A difference between copperheads and the other species appears in the next phase, when they are approached. Escape is even the standard behavior of enormous diamondback rattlesnakes, which will immediately disappear if they have enough warning before they think a person can reach them.īut often escape is not possible, so most snakes hold their ground, ready to defend themselves. If given the opportunity, they escape-down a hole, under a ledge, or in the case of cottonmouths, into the water. Whit Gibbons is conducting research to learn why copperheads inflict the most bites.Īll the snake species tested have had the same initial response to human presence. species, but they also have the mildest venom. Copperheads bite more people in most years than any other U.S. Avoid Copperhead snakes! Allow it to go on its way undisturbed. Many of these bites could be prevented by avoiding the snake instead of trying to kill it or pick it up. North Carolina has the dubious distinction of the most venomous snake bites of any state in the U.S. For the most part, if you let snakes alone, they'll leave you alone. If you or your pet are bitten by any snake that you suspect is venomous, get medial attention immediately. The venom causes local tissue destruction and secondary infection often sets in. Small animals, like small dogs, may receive a fatal bite from a copperhead. Cooperative Extension Specialist in Zoology. "Copperhead bites are typically not fatal," says Dr. Many people are bitten while trying to kill or handle the snake. JPRLog - A Copperhead snake bite needs medical attention, is extremely painful, and may cause extensive scarring and loss of use. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.RALEIGH, N.C. During the search, residents were told to stay away from the snake if they saw it and call 911. The cobra was reported outside a home on June 28 and captured two days later. Venomous snakes are legal to own in North Carolina, but they must be kept in escape-proof, bite-proof enclosures and owners must notify law enforcement if one escapes. “But he has done absolutely everything he can to rectify the situation.”
“This gentleman has never been in trouble before and clearly there was a lack of judgment on this day back in November,” Felts said. And the dozens of snakes that he must relinquish will be used for anti-venom and cancer research, said Anna Smith Felts, Gifford’s attorney. He must pay $13,162 in part for the emergency and police response to locating the loose snake. “Whatever I can do to fix it, I’ve been trying to do.” “It was a huge mistake,” Gifford said after the court hearing. The charge he pleaded guilty to also will be dismissed if Gifford successfully completes his probation. In exchange, the other 39 counts were dropped. Under Friday’s agreement in Wake County court, Gifford pleaded guilty to failing to report the missing snake. The snake actually had escaped last November, according to Gifford’s lawyer, but he hadn’t told anyone, media outlets reported. Authorities ultimately captured it in a Raleigh neighborhood in late June. (AP) - A snake collector whose escaped zebra cobra caused a frenzy for days this summer in a North Carolina neighborhood has pleaded guilty to a charge, agreeing in turn to pay restitution and give up his snakes.Ĭhristopher Gifford, 21, had been charged last month with 40 misdemeanors stemming from the venomous snake’s escape. Business & Finance Click to expand menu.
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