Along with our beautiful beaches and gorgeous weather, Southwest Florida is also home to a large variety of snakes. Even a bite from a non-venomous snake can cause infection or an allergic reaction in some  people. 

While most snakes in our area are harmless, snake expert, Dr. Bruce Means, says that there are a few snakes we need to be especially cautious of: "The Eastern Diamond Back, the Timberback Rattlesnake, and the Copperhead.  We also have the Pigmy Rattlesnake and the Coral snake."

Paramedic, Michael Hamel, says that he knows the cause of most snake bites in our area: "Reaching into a pile of wood, coming out with a sting and not knowing what it was."

Snakes don't usually attack humans unless they're surprised or cornered and usually it's a careless movement that stimulates the reptile to bite.  Often times it's hard to know if it was a poisonous or non-poisonous snake that bit you.  Hamel also states, "We have not seen to the degree of venomous snakes but then again we've certainly seen our fair share of snake bites."

If you're unsure if a snake bite is from a venomous variety of snake, the best bet is to play it safe and visit the emergency room.  Try to at least remember the color and shape of the snake.  "The best advice I can give anyone about venomous snakes is to learn about them and teach their children about them.

 Knowledge is very empowering" says Dr. Means.  The venomous coral snake is most often confused with the harmless scarlet king snake. A helpful rhythm to know the difference: "Red  touch yellow, kill a fellow, red touch black is good for Jack." 

The appropriate response you should have if you meet up with a snake is to simply walk away.  Don't attempt to capture or kill it, as 70-80% of bites occur in this manner.