Snake bite signs and first aid you need to know

The thought of a snake bite is enough to make your heart race but before you panic and channel your inner cowboy, drop the idea of sucking out the venom. If you’re unlucky enough to cross paths with a slithery neighbor, knowing what to do when you’re bitten by a snake can save a life, possibly even yours.

Not all snakes are venomous, and most snake bites in the U.S. are not fatal. That said, some bites can seriously harm or even kill if not treated quickly. So, let’s break it down!

Venomous snakes

Of the thousands of snake species across the world, only about 15% are venomous, and in the U.S., that number creeps up slightly to around 20%, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Venomous snakes in North America Include: