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:

Rattlesnakes
Copperheads
Cottonmouths
Coral Snakes
Most venomous snakes in the U.S. are pit vipers, recognized by their triangular heads, slit-shaped pupils, heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils, and of course fangs. The coral snake breaks the mold with its round pupils, cigar-shaped head, and bright red, yellow, and black bands.

Snake bite symptoms
Most snakes tend to strike the upper body – arms, wrists, or hands – usually because someone got a little too close or didn’t spot the snake in time.

Nonvenomous snake bite

If you’ve had an encounter with a nonvenomous snake, consider yourself lucky. These bites, while certainly unpleasant, usually come with more bark than bite. Expect localized pain, some scratches or puncture marks, and maybe a bit of swelling or redness at the site. It’s like nature’s version of a warning shot.

Venomous snake bite

But when a venomous snake sinks its fangs into you, things escalate quickly. The pain is often immediate and intense, radiating from the bite and growing more severe over time. Swelling and bruising usually follow – and not just around the bite, reports the Mayo Clinic. Your body might react with nausea, labored breathing, weakness, or even an odd, metallic taste in your mouth that seems to come out of nowhere.

Some snakes, like the coral snake, deliver a different kind of venom altogether. Instead of targeting tissue, their toxins go after your nervous system, causing droopy eyelids, tingling in the fingers or toes, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness. These symptoms aren’t just bizarre; they’re dangerous, and they signal the need for emergency care.

Dry bite

Sometimes there’s also a dry bite, which is when a snake digs his fangs into the skin without injecting any venom.

Knowing the difference between bite types and recognizing symptoms early can make all the difference.

“Most deaths from venomous snake bites occur because the person had an allergic reaction to the venom or is in poor health, or because too much time passed before he or she received medical care,” warns the American Red Cross.

What to do if you’re bitten by a snake
1. Stay calm: It’s easier said than done, but staying calm helps keep your heart rate down, which can slow the spread of venom.

2. Call emergency immediately: Dial 911 or get to the nearest emergency room as quickly and safely as possible. Prompt medical care saves lives.

3. Keep the bite area still and below heart level: Movement speeds up venom circulation. If possible, immobilize the bitten limb using a splint or sling and keep it lower than your heart.

4. Remove tight clothing and jewelry: Swelling can happen fast. Take off rings, watches, or tight clothing near the bite site to avoid circulation issues.

5. Try to identify the snake: If it’s safe to do so, take a photo of the snake or remember its color and shape. This can help doctors choose the right antivenom.

What not to do
Knowing what not to do after a snake bite is just as crucial as knowing what to do.

Do not:

Try to suck out the venom – That’s Hollywood, not medicine.
Cut the wound – You’ll just make things worse.
Apply ice or a tourniquet – Both can cause tissue damage.
Try to capture or kill the snake – Don’t play hero and try to catch the snake.
Snake bites are scary but if you follow the right steps, you’ll drastically increase your chances of a full recovery. And remember that snakes aren’t out to get you. Most would rather slither away than pick a fight. But if a bite does happen, now you know exactly what to do.

Please make sure you share this story with your friends so they will also know what to do if they’re bitten by a snake!