James RickardA danger of fishing--Copperhead
July 19th 2010 09:35
You seldom think of fishing as a dangerous activity unless you're going after sharks or whaling. However, when it's hot like it has been around here, fishing is often done in the morning or in the evening. If that's the case, the same weather that is bringing you to the water's edge, may bring several other creatures out of the their lair, also. Aside from that, the same river, lake, or pond may be the only water source some scary animals know.
Rather than coming up with one HUGH text-book length article, I want to devote separate posts to various creatures you may run into when going down to the local water hole.
I want to devote this post to a reptile you'll find in abundance around here--the copperhead.
Rather than coming up with one HUGH text-book length article, I want to devote separate posts to various creatures you may run into when going down to the local water hole.
I want to devote this post to a reptile you'll find in abundance around here--the copperhead.
A typical pit viper found around here
This admission may come as a shock to most people but I've never seen a copperhead although I'm definitely in a minority in these parts. However, after seeing the accompanying photo, one can deduce why I may never have seen one. Perhaps, I should say I've never knowingly run across one! Chance are, I've passed right by them and didn't know it!
Generally speaking, copperheads are about three feet to a meter long and about 1.5-3 inches in diameter. Unlike some snakes, there is a clear delineation between head, neck and body regions.
Contrary to what many locals say, the bite of a copperhead is not fatal. Often, following a painful bite, venom causes local tissue destruction followed by a secondary infection. However, small animals or pets can fall victim to the venom. Keeping this in mind, it may behoove one to remember of all the venomous snakes in the U.S. the copperhead bite is the least poisonous.
More unusual, it the fact that copperheads, unlike many other venomous snakes, are able to "dry bite" a victim. Like all pit vipers, the family to which this reptile belongs, copperheads possess the uncanny ability to bite without injecting venom! Much like sharks, lacking arms and hands, copperheads are only doing what comes naturally. The may help explain why copperhead snakes often lead the ranks of venomous snake bites each year.
Despite the lack of a killing bite or threat of death, the bite from a copperhead is nothing to trifle with. If you are bitten, seek medical attention!
Okay, so the bite isn't going to kill you but, where do they hang out? Here in the East, watch out around rocks and wood piles. If local conditions are conducive to the habitat, low lying swampy areas are often home to these creatures.
Although copperheads are not known as overly adaptable creatures, they are wide ranging. These reptiles have been found as far West as Texas, South into Louisiana, and as far North as New York State. A few have even turned up in Mexico!
As stated earlier, the bite won't kill you but if you are an unlucky victim of this snake, don't downplay the seriousness of the injury. Forget about fishing for the day and go right to the E.R.!
Generally speaking, copperheads are about three feet to a meter long and about 1.5-3 inches in diameter. Unlike some snakes, there is a clear delineation between head, neck and body regions.
Contrary to what many locals say, the bite of a copperhead is not fatal. Often, following a painful bite, venom causes local tissue destruction followed by a secondary infection. However, small animals or pets can fall victim to the venom. Keeping this in mind, it may behoove one to remember of all the venomous snakes in the U.S. the copperhead bite is the least poisonous.
More unusual, it the fact that copperheads, unlike many other venomous snakes, are able to "dry bite" a victim. Like all pit vipers, the family to which this reptile belongs, copperheads possess the uncanny ability to bite without injecting venom! Much like sharks, lacking arms and hands, copperheads are only doing what comes naturally. The may help explain why copperhead snakes often lead the ranks of venomous snake bites each year.
Despite the lack of a killing bite or threat of death, the bite from a copperhead is nothing to trifle with. If you are bitten, seek medical attention!
Okay, so the bite isn't going to kill you but, where do they hang out? Here in the East, watch out around rocks and wood piles. If local conditions are conducive to the habitat, low lying swampy areas are often home to these creatures.
Although copperheads are not known as overly adaptable creatures, they are wide ranging. These reptiles have been found as far West as Texas, South into Louisiana, and as far North as New York State. A few have even turned up in Mexico!
As stated earlier, the bite won't kill you but if you are an unlucky victim of this snake, don't downplay the seriousness of the injury. Forget about fishing for the day and go right to the E.R.!
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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