The prepper and survivalist mindset is all about recognizing dangers and being prepared for them. In the natural environment, there are numerous but, with the proper knowledge, they can all be avoided. This applies to any situation, no matter if it is an emergency or a simple camping or hiking trip. Among the dangers that are present in the wilderness, one of the more drastic example is venomous snakes.
In North America, they are not as prevalent as in some other locations that are generally more snake-friendly, like Australia or the tropical belt. However, there are still 21 species, according to the officials from the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Out of these, some but not all have venom that is actually lethal to humans. Some species have venom but would need to grow to enormous sizes to have it in enough quantities to be a danger to humans.
Of course, all of that applies to full-grown adults, while when it comes to children, the issue might be a lot more severe. Because of this, everyone who spends time outdoors should be fully knowledgeable about the most dangerous snakes in North America. For those who want to be prepared or plan to explore a wild area were those kind of snakes are present, it might be a good idea to get a snake bite kit
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
This is the biggest venomous snake that can be found in America. It is also one of the biggest venomous snakes in the entire world. At record length, it can be almost eight feet long and weight over 35 bounds. It can be very dangerous to humans because its bite has a fatality rate that covers between 10 and 20 percent. Some claim that it can reach up to one-third of all of its bites. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake usually attacks and eats rabbits. Its venom is very hemorrhagic and even houses peptides that cause issues with the cardiac rhythm, which can lead to death. Its massive fangs can deliver over 450 mg of its venom, which just over 100 mg can kill a human. The snake is present in the coastal areas of Florida, dry marshes, pine forest, and the southwestern United States. Like most other rattlesnakes it can attack without prior warning and when it does, CroFab antivenom has shown itself as an effective treatment.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
This snake would be the leading producer of human fatalities if it had different habits. Fortunately, it tends to stay away from populated spaces and avoid people. It is, however, widely present geographically. Its habitats begin in Mexico and stretch through the western US coast all the way to Canada. Its venom is less toxic than those of other snakes from its families, but it can produce huge amounts. An adult snake can deliver 800 mg of venom that produces muscle deterioration followed by internal bleeding on a huge scale. Its fatality rates are around 20 percent. Most specimens are around 4 to 5 feet in length and have about 10 pounds. Its habitats mainly rocky mountains, sunny deserts and salt marshes as its key habitats.
Coral Snake (Eastern and Western)
Coral snakes are broken into their Western and Eastern sub-families, which are similar in many ways. Both possess very potent venom based on neurotoxic properties and come in bright colors of red and yellow on a black baseline color. Both the Eastern and the Western version can deliver a very potent venom, but there is a catch – these snakes often do not discharge any toxins. This is because they have to be in a chewing position to get the venom out, while single fast bite produce little to no venom. However, at the same time, both variants of the snake carries enough venom to kill four grown humans. The amount needed to kill or severely injure a person is just 4 to 5 mg. Western corals snakes are found in deserts and rocky and dry areas. The Eastern coral snake usually create burrows underground and chose to live in leafy forests and similar areas.
Copperhead Snake
These snakes belong to the pit viper family and are generally located in the Eastern US, going from Florida to New York. They spread west as far as Nebraska and other states in middle America. A moderately-sized snake from this family grows between 36 inches and all the way up to 48 for the longer specimens. They have venom which is very painful, but rarely fatal. This is why the treatment for this type of attack is basically mostly topical even though there is an antivenin that is sometimes used. These snakes are mainly seen as not that aggressive and will often try to avoid a confrontation. But the problem is that their body is perfectly camouflaged so people tend to step on them in the wild, which results in a self-defensive bite. In general, the first strike will be venom-free, but the second one almost always comes with venom. When it comes to habitat, these snakes prefer wet territory, like forested hillsides and also wetlands as a whole.
Cottonmouth Snake
A Water moccasin or the Cottonmouth snake is closely related to the copperhead snake, but its bite is considered more harmful and dangerous. However, it too is rarely fatal, but this snake specie is a lot more aggressive. When threatened, these snakes will assume a pose ready for a strike, along with opening its mouth to show a white interior -this is how the snake got its name. They grow between 36 and 72 inches at the very largest that includes a powerful venom, but which should have a very hard time killing a grown human. These snakes are semi-aquatic and are located almost always in streams, lakes, marshes, and swamps. In fact, the cottonmouth is the only viper in the world that is found in watery environments.
With this crucial knowledge on the most dangerous snakes in North America, anyone can make sure that they know when they enter the territory of particularly dangerous snake species. This way, they can do whatever is necessary to make sure they steer clear of any of them.
