FLOing WILD: Coral or King Snake by Marilu Dempsey |
Red next to Black - is safe for Jack; |
Eastern Coral Snake: related to Cobras, highly venomous.
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Scarlet King Snake: non-venomous.
Description: - Wide red bands, separated by wide black bands. - Every pair of black bands has a narrow yellow stripe between them. - Bands encircle the body, continuing on the belly. - Bands: Yellow-Black-Red-Black-Yellow-Black ... - The snout is red and pointed. - Scales are smooth. |
Coral snakes do not strike quickly; they bite, hold on, and 'chew'.
The bite is deceptively mild, leaving only small punctures, and small
semi-circular scratch marks. Symptoms may be delayed up to 12 hours,
and then you will see a very rapid progression.
Symptoms include:
- trouble keeping eyes open,
- slurred speech,
- blurred vision,
- pain at the bite site,
- seizures.
For all snakebites, seek medical help immediately. Following is only a
basic guideline of first aid for a possible coral snake bite - if it will be over
30 minutes to a hospital:
- have the victim lie down in a comfortable position,
- keep the victim still and calm,
- apply a sterile dressing to the wound,
- keep the bitten body part still.
- do not cut or make any incision on or around the site of the bite,
- do not raise the bitten limb above the level of the heart,
- do not leave the victim alone,
- do not give the victim anything to eat or drink, especially alcoholic beverages.
Try to identify the snake, do not cause danger to the victim or yourself, do not take a lot of time. It is important to seek medical attention fast. No one has died from a Coral snake bite since an effective antivenom was developed, but it is most effective when given within four hours of a bite. While it is believed the antivenom is effective up to 24 hours after the bite, delay increases chances of long-term complications. And there is no guarantee the antivenom can reverse damage already done.