Fortunately, Copperhead Road does not lead into Montana. We have enough problems from venomous rattlesnakes. There is no need for more venomous snakes. Bull snakes are huge in Montana and often aggressive, but they eat rattlesnakes for lunch. Other local snakes are not a threat.
Eastern and southern states are the habitat for Copperheads. Their bite is worse than western rattlers. Copperhead encounters and eastern Rattlesnake encounters are not as common but still occur. A bite from an eastern rattler or Copperhead is more deadly than a western rattler. Depending on where the bite is could mean death. Smaller snakes can release more venom.
My brother took some friends trout fishing in western Maryland. The Appalachians are home to venomous snakes, bears, lions, and other threats. You can still fish and hunt in remote and rural places. Hospitals are not just behind every tree and rock.
They were fishing in a remote section of the Potomac headwaters. Trout are common and crowds are not. After catching his limit of trout, my brother cleaned his fresh fish streamside. He then was coaching his buddy downstream.
Suddenly his other buddy began screaming. Earlier in the day he swore that he had seen a timber rattler on a rock. “No doubt, 100% sure that it was a huge rattler!” Now he was gesturing and yelling that he had been bitten by a huge rattler. He was jumping and dancing around in a panic holding his hand. Not the best behavior for a snakebite victim.
My brother quickly came to his aid and calmed him down. “A huge rattler bit me on my finger by that big rock. It was a rattler, 100% sure!” The rock was where my brother had cleaned his fish. He went closer, to confirm the species. The bite came from a huge brown water snake. The patterned snake was over 2 foot long, but the head shape was wrong. Apparently, the snake was feasting on the fish remains where my brother cleaned his trout. Snake species confirmed 100%.
The snakebit angler did have bite marks on his finger but they were not from fangs. There was no need to rush to a hospital. A cold beer placed on the bite was enough first aid.
Snakebites are rarely fatal. We still need to stay alert and avoid snake encounters. Even a non-venomous snake could cause a heart attack.
Be prepared and aware of what risks could occur in your area. Educate yourself just in case. Learn how to identify and avoid dangerous snakes, spiders, and… Ignorance is no excuse and increase your vulnerability.
Not everyone is prepared for what may happen on Copperhead Road.
Montana Grant
