Cottonmouth

Giftkraft

Bisse

Das Gift kommt beim Beißen durch die Giftzähne oder Zähne heraus.

Was macht sein Gift, wenn es beißt oder sticht?

The venom is rich in cytotoxic components that destroy tissue, and it is more toxic than the copperhead's venom. It does not contain the neurotoxic components found in many rattlesnakes, so it does not usually cause whole-body reactions. Symptoms commonly include bruising and swelling, and necrosis, or death of tissue, can occur.1

Wie gefährlich ist es für Menschen?

Deaths are rare, but bites are relatively frequent in the lower Mississippi River Valley and along the Gulf of Mexico coast. A bite can leave scars and, on occasion, may require amputation. The pain is generally more severe than a copperhead bite but less than a rattlesnake bite. Stressed snakes, and larger snakes, are more likely to strike.1

Gute Nachricht: Ärzte haben dafür ein Medikament (Gegengift) oder eine Behandlung.1

Was macht es, wenn es Angst hat?

When threatened it may coil its body, display its fangs and gape to show the white lining of its mouth. It often stands its ground rather than fleeing.1