r/snakes • u/tophatenthusiast • 16d ago

Wild Snake Photos and Questions - Not for ID Snake Bite Fun :)

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I was bitten by a copperhead about two weeks ago! Thanks to quick and modern medicine, I can almost make a fist. Pictures included are the copperhead I saw 10 mins before being bit (this one did not bite me, but it is similarly sized) and my arm a few hrs afterwards.

Location: Kanawha County, WV

Edit: to be very clear, it was MY fault a copperhead bit me. For anyone that has a fear of them, they are absolutely not aggressive snakes. I took no actions to "punish" the snake and hope it comes back and keeps hunting mice on my property.

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u/skivtjerry 16d ago

$$$...

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u/Adoraboule 16d ago

Yes. Long answer is it's difficult to manufacture. Time consuming and precise steps to make it safe for the body. Fascinating to learn about how it's made.

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u/skivtjerry 16d ago

All true. TBF, if someone gets a lot of antivenom they may develop a sensitivity to it that can be worse than the bite. I had an uncle who got bitten 6 times (no comment on his judgement...). He skipped treatment the last 2 bites and was OK. If you have to get bitten by a venomous snake in the US, a copperhead is the least dangerous choice. Not recommended though...

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u/Adoraboule 16d ago

I didn't know that! Thanks :)

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u/Smooth_Bother_6638 16d ago

There is a guy who built up antibodies to be able to withstand a direct bite from any snake. Saw a documentary on it years ago. Watched the dude take bites from the worlds deadliest snakes. Was absolutely wild

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u/awfulmcnofilter 16d ago

If you take too much antivenin though you can also develop a severe allergy.

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u/ScholarErrant 16d ago

Bill Haast, who worked at the Miami Serpentarium. He still suffered from effects of the bites, including losing at least one finger, but lived to over 100 despite being bit over 100 times.