Louisiana is home to nearly 50 species of snakes, seven of them venomous. Fortunately, snake bites are relatively rare and most snake bites happen because people don’t realize a snake is there before placing a hand or stepping somewhere. If you think you’ve been bitten by a snake, don’t assume the snake was harmless. Always treat a snake bit like it’s venomous. Don’t try to kill the snake as that’s when many secondary snake bites happen. Call 9-1-1 or head to the nearest emergency room immediately and remove rings and watches before you start to swell. Learn more about what to do when a snake bites you.
