DALLAS – (WBAP/KLIF) – Texas snake experts warn Texans snakes are now emerging from hidden places as the weather warms, and just as North and Central Texans begin to clear debris from flooding.
They advise people not to mix alcohol with clearing of debris from properties, and to always use a long-handled tool instead of reaching into piles of debris to move them. Snakes are among the most efficient cleaners of mice and rats, and go to places where they congregate – where food sources are – to find them.
Dr. Maureen Frank, snake specialist with Texas A&M Agrilife Services, says if you are bitten by a snake, it’s important to get a good description of the snake’s appearance. Different antidotes are used by doctors for different types of snake bites. Most snakes, including rattlesnakes, are treated with one basic bite antidote, but if the bite comes from a coral snake, a different antidote will be required.
“Red and yellow can kill a fellow” is the rhyming phrase to remember, as coral snakes have yellow and red bands that touch. Another type of snake does have the same colored banding, but the red and yellow colors do not touch each other.
Frank notes most snake bites occur when alcohol is involved. She advises you to do your debris clearing or other property matters that could get you in contact with snakes at times other than when imbibing “in a cold one”. Her best advice to avoid a snake bite altogether? “Just remember; leave the snake alone; leave the snake alone”. She adds is it NOT necessary to kill the snake or bring it to an emergency room when treatment is sought – just a description is effective, and/or a photograph if that is possible to obtain without further danger.
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