

Unfortunately, the medical costs for venomous bite victims are excessive, even with good medical insurance coverage.Īlthough I could not locate an average for medical costs associated with a venomous snakebite, the numbers before insurance coverage kicks in seem to be above $100,000. The financial implications are are another aspect that most people don’t consider with snake bites until it happens to them. I wear snake protection gear when hunting as part of an effort to avoid the potential medical issues associated with an envenomation. Heart or brain issues (heart attack or aneurysm).An allergic reaction to the venom (above and beyond its expected effects).An adverse or allergic reaction to antivenin.In addition, there are always potential complications that can become more of an issue than the bite itself, such as (and these are only a few): The CDC has reported that an average of 35% of venomous snakebite victims (especially rattlesnake bites) will have long-term medical issues that may last for years. Statistically speaking, my odds of surviving a poisonous bite are very high, but that is only part of the equation. This one is somewhat obvious as I hope to avoid a venomous snake bite altogether. The motivation or desire to use some form of snake bite protection varies from individual to individual, but here are my reasons for wearing snake boots during warm-weather hunts: Medical Impact While the chances of a venomous snake bite are relatively low, it can and does happen to hunters each year. Why Consider Snake Bite Protection when Hunting? The Coral species of snakes has very potent venom, but bites are incredibly uncommon as this species is shy, reclusive, and has small, fixed fangs.įor most hunters, the species to be careful of are Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, and Cottonmouths.

In the U.S., the rattlesnake species of snakes are responsible for most of the annual snakebite deaths, but the Copperhead species owns the title of having the most instances of bites each year. For example, India is home to 60 species of venomous snakes (including some extremely dangerous species) that kill an estimated 45,000 people annually.

Compared to some countries, the United States has an astoundingly low fatality rate. The fatality rate for snake bites is extremely low in the U.S., thanks to the readily available top-tier medical care. The CDC estimates that between 70 in the United States are bitten by a venomous snake each year, and those bites result in an average of 5 deaths a year. My home state of North Carolina is an excellent example of a state that is home to all four venomous snake species. In addition, some states are home to all four venomous species, while other states may only have one of two species. state is home to at least one venomous snake species. With the exception of Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Alaska, every U.S. Cottonmouth (also called a Water Moccasin).The United States is home to 30 known sub-species of venomous snakes that come from four species: Venomous Snake Factsīefore we get into details about the various snake protection gear on the market for hunters, let’s take a second and discuss venomous snakes. Out of the different staff members here at, I was selected to author this post because I have some experience with reptiles in that I’m a former reptile owner, having owned several non-venomous snake species in my youth. This post includes an in-depth look at snake boots, snake gaiters, and snake chaps. In this post, we will look at venomous snakes from a hunter’s point of view and discuss the different types of snakebite protection options for hunters. While most snakes found in the United States are harmless, a small percentage are known to be venomous, and those are the species that potentially cause concern for most hunters and outdoors people. If you spend enough time outdoors during the warmer months or happen to live in a warmer climate state, it’s only a matter of time before you encounter some species of snake. Can a snake bite through leather boots?.

What’s the Best Snake Proof Option for Hunters.Types of Snake Bite Protection for Hunters.Why Consider Snake Bite Protection when Hunting?.
