Tega Cay, SC (Tega Cay Sun) – New research reveals that as temperatures rise, the likelihood of a venomous snake biting humans increases.
A study conducted by Emory University indicates that for each degree Celsius rise in daily temperatures, the risk of snake bites rises by 6%.
South Carolina is home to six venomous snake species, notably the copperhead, sees the highest prevalence, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Additional venomous snakes found in South Carolina include the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, cottonmouth, coral snake, pigmy rattlesnake and timber rattlesnake.
Published in GeoHealth, the research delved into data spanning from 2014 to 2020, encompassing all emergency department visits documented by the Georgia Hospital Association. This time frame witnessed over 5,000 hospitalizations attributed to snakebites, among which 3,908 cases were linked to venomous snake bites. The information was then juxtaposed with the respective minimum and maximum temperatures, air pressure, and humidity levels during the bite incidents. To draw comparisons, the researchers also evaluated temperature data from corresponding days of the week within the same month.
According to the Palmetto Poison Center there are on average 240-270 snake bites reported every year in South Carolina.
One of the best ways to avoid a snake bite is to avoid snakes favor habitats, which are areas with extensive ground cover, such as English ivy.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
