Cottonmouth

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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

Hur farlig är den för människor?

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

Goda nyheter: läkare har en medicin (motgift) eller en behandling för det här.1

Vad gör den när den är rädd?

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