Yes, you can definitely feel when a snake bites you. A snake bite is a puncture wound inflicted by the fangs of a snake. The fangs contain venom that is injected into your body. This venom causes severe pain and other symptoms depending on the type of snake. The sensation of being bitten will vary depending on the snake species, but most often it is described as an immediate and intense burning pain.
What does a snake bite feel like?
Here are some common descriptions of what a snake bite feels like:
- Sharp, immediate, burning pain at the bite site
- Intense, throbbing pain that radiates out from the bite
- Pain and swelling that spreads quickly
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the area around the bite
- Nausea, dizziness, sweating as a reaction to the venom
- Metallic or rubbery taste in the mouth (from venom)
The amount of pain depends on the type of snake, the location of the bite, the amount of venom injected, and the person’s reaction. Some people report the initial bite feeling like a bad bee sting. Others say it is the worst pain they have ever felt.
Venomous vs Nonvenomous Snake Bites
Venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, and coral snakes have fangs and venom that cause severe pain and damage. The pain comes on instantly and intensifies over the first 30 minutes.
With nonvenomous snakes like garter snakes and rat snakes, that lack venom, the bite may just feel like a pinprick or slight cut. There may be minimal pain and just small puncture wounds visible.
Here is a table comparing venomous and nonvenomous snake bites:
| Venomous | Nonvenomous |
|---|---|
| Instant, severe burning pain at bite site | Mild pain, like a pinprick |
| Pain spreads and intensifies quickly | Little pain, no spreading |
| Rapid swelling, bruising | Minimal swelling or bruising |
| Numbness, tingling around bite | No numbness |
| Nausea, sweating, dizziness | No other symptoms |
Snake Bite Sensations by Species
The specific sensations of a snake bite can vary based on the species:
Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnake bites cause immediate, burning pain followed by throbbing and swelling. The tissue damage leads to severe bruising and numbness.
Copperheads
Copperhead bites are extremely painful, feeling hot and sharp. The pain then spreads and becomes a persistent, pounding sensation.
Cottonmouths
Cottonmouths deliver less venom in quick strikes, so the bite may just initially feel like a pinprick. But tissue damage leads to deep pain.
Coral Snakes
The small fangs of coral snakes lead to less pronounced puncture wounds. But their powerful neurotoxic venom causes numbness and tingling around the bite.
Boomslangs
These African snakes have hemotoxic venom that breaks down blood cells. This leads to pain, bruising, and bleeding at the wound site.
Black Mambas
Considered one of the world’s deadliest snakes, the black mamba’s neurotoxic venom leads to an extremely painful bite. The sensation is like being branded with a red hot iron.
Factors that Influence Bite Sensation
Several factors can affect how much pain is felt from a snake bite:
- Type of snake – Some snakes have more potent venom, or deliver it more aggressively.
- Location of bite – Bites on more sensitive areas of the body, like the face or neck, result in greater pain.
- Depth of bite – Deeper bites that more thoroughly inject venom hurt worse.
- Amount of venom – More venom leads to greater tissue damage and pain.
- Individual response – A person’s reaction to venom can impact severity of symptoms.
In general, any snake bite to the head, face, or torso warrants immediate medical care due to the risk of life-threatening effects from potent venom.
Other Physical Sensations from a Snake Bite
In addition to pain at the bite site, other physical sensations may result:
- Burning or stinging sensation throughout the body
- Tingling, prickling, or numbness spreading outward from the bite
- Tightness, swelling, and bruising around the bite mark
- Bleeding from the puncture wounds
- Metallic, rubbery taste in mouth
- Weakness, dizziness, fainting
- Nausea, vomiting, sweating, or chills from shock
- Rapid heart rate, low blood pressure
- Muscle twitches, seizures, paralysis if venom impacts nervous system
These effects result from the venom damaging tissue, blood cells, nerves, and organs throughout the body. Without antivenom treatment, the damage can become life-threatening.
First Aid for Snake Bites
If you experience a snake bite, take these first aid steps while awaiting medical care:
- Wash the bite gently with soap and water if possible
- Immobilize the bitten area, and keep it lower than the heart
- Remove any jewelry or constricting items near the bite
- Apply cool compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Monitor breathing and circulation, administer CPR if needed
- Keep the person calm and still to slow venom absorption
- Seek emergency medical help as soon as possible
Do NOT:
- Cut into the bite or try to suck out the venom
- Apply a tourniquet or tight bandage
- Apply heat or ice directly to the bite
- Give the person pain relievers, caffeine, or alcohol
Proper first aid can help minimize damage until antivenom treatment is administered.
Treatment for Snake Bites
The most important medical treatment for a venomous snake bite is prompt injection of antivenom medication. Antivenom contains antibodies that neutralize the snake’s venom and prevent further injury.
Depending on the type of snake, other treatments may include:
- Tetanus vaccine
- Antibiotics to prevent infection
- Medicines to counteract venom effects
- Pain relievers
- Intravenous fluids for hydration
- Blood transfusions if needed
- Wound care
- Surgery to repair damage or debride infected tissue
With proper and timely treatment, most people survive snake bites, although recovery time varies depending on severity. Even with antivenom, some permanent nerve or tissue damage can result.
Long-Term Effects
Depending on the snake species and amount of venom injected, long-term effects of bites may include:
- Permanent tissue loss, scarring, or deformation at the bite site
- Loss of limb function due to tendon/muscle damage
- Chronic pain, arthritis, or joint stiffness
- Sensory changes like numbness or tingling
- Lingering weakness or stiffness from neurotoxic venom
- Skin discoloration, bruising, or wounds slow to heal
- Psychological distress like anxiety or PTSD
Follow-up wound care, physical therapy, and sometimes reconstructive surgery may be needed. Psychotherapy can help some manage emotional effects of trauma.
Preventing Snake Bites
Use these tips to help avoid being bitten when in areas populated by venomous snakes:
- Wear boots and long pants when hiking
- Avoid reaching into crevices or underbrush
- Watch your step and give snakes space
- Leave snakes alone if encountered
- Avoid hiking at night or in high heat when snakes are more active
- Keep pets nearby and supervised in snake areas
Being alert and giving snakes a wide berth can help prevent unfortunate bites. If you are bitten, stay calm, seek immediate care, and you have an excellent chance of full recovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can definitely feel when a snake bites you! Venomous snake bites cause immediate, intense pain at the site as toxins are injected. The pain then spreads and is accompanied by numbness, swelling, and other symptoms. Nonvenomous bites are less painful, but puncture wounds may still be visible. Factors like the snake species and bite location influence how much it hurts. With proper first aid and antivenom treatment, most snake bites can be successfully managed, although permanent damage is possible depending on severity. Using care to avoid snake habitats and leaving snakes undisturbed can help prevent painful bites. Being aware of snakes when in nature and acting calmly if bitten are the keys to good outcomes.