41 Fascinating Snake Bite Statistics & Facts (2024 UPDATE)

They’re legless, elongated, and cold-blooded. Some of us are horror-stricken by these carnivorous creatures. In contrast, others are fascinated by them and even keep them as pets.

However, we’re not going to trash talk this animal or demonize it in any way. On the contrary, this article’s snake bite statistics exist to expand your knowledge on the subject matter.

So, without further ado, we present to you some of the most shocking yet engrossing serpent statistics and facts.

Top 10 Snake Snake Bite Statistics

Now that you’ve seen the most interesting highlights, let’s dive into the numbers and facts!

Must-Know Venomous Snakes Facts

To many, snakes are one of the worst phobias. To be fair, they are pretty scary, but they’re not even the deadliest creature on Earth.

Surprised? Read on to discover more!

1. Although only 1 out of 10 untreated victims dies from its venom, the saw-scaled viper kills the most people, venomous snakes facts show.

(Reptile Gardens)

However, this information about snakes is not entirely accurate. There is no way of knowing for sure whether the saw-scaled viper (Echis sp.) or the Asian cobra (Naja sp.) kills the most people yearly.

Data reveals that underreporting is common. There could be around 1.8 million envenomations globally per year and approximately 94,000 deaths.

2. The reticulated python is the longest snake in the world, growing up to 30 feet in length.

(Live Science)

Facts about snakes show that since this creature belongs to the Pythonidae family, it is non-venomous. So, how do they kill their prey? Well, they do this by squeezing and suffocating the victim to death.

Also, certain species of pythons are dangerous to humans due to their size and power.

3. The deadliest creatures in the world are mosquitos, not snakes, contributing to the death of 750,000 humans as of 2018.

(Statista)

According to facts about venomous snakes, they’re not the deadliest on the planet. The deadliest creatures are mosquitos.

[visualizer id=”1756″]

They’re followed by humans, who cause 437,000 human deaths yearly. Snakes come third with 100,000 caused deaths.

The main reason mosquitos take the top spot is their ability to transmit various deadly diseases, such as malaria.

4. There are about 700 unique species of venomous snakes.

(ScienceKidz)

About 250 of these venomous species will kill a human being with just one bite.

Fortunately, scientists have developed anti-venom, which consists of antibodies. According to some interesting facts about snake bites, the antibodies are typically derived from a host animal, like a horse or sheep.

5. There is a nine times higher chance that you’ll die from being struck by lightning than from being bitten by a venomous snake.

(UF Wildlife)

According to fatality statistics in the United States, there are 162,460 fatalities due to lung cancer. There are also 37,594 due to car or motorcycle accidents in the United States.

Now, compare these figures with 5-6 fatalities in the United States caused by snake bites. Snake bite death statistics reveal that you’re more likely to be bitten by a venomous spider or die from a wasp or bee sting.

What Are the Odds of Being Bit by a Snake?

Snake bites in the US don’t occur as frequently as you might think. Naturally, foresters, farmers, and other people who go into snakes’ territories are more likely to get bitten. But, we’ll let the numbers talk.

6. Around 7,000-8,000 Americans are bitten by venomous snakes annually.

(CDC)

However, according to the facts about poisonous snakes, only five snake bite victims in the United States pass away each year.

Venomous snakes found in the US include copperheads, coral snakes, cottonmouths, and different types of rattlesnakes.

The most typical victims of venomous snakes in the U.S. are foresters, roofers, construction workers, and farmers.

7. What state has the highest number of snake bites? Statistics say – North Carolina.

(CBS17)

According to snake bite statistics by state, the reason for the high instances of snake bites in North Carolina is the significant presence of these creatures. As well as the increasing number of people who move into the region.

Furthermore, deforestation pushes wild animals into urban areas, resulting in increased contact with people.

An excellent tip to avoid being bitten by a snake is to ensure your private landscape is trimmed and that any trash piles and woodpiles are removed.

8. According to snake bite statistics from 2020, 92 people were bitten by venomous snakes in North Carolina in May 2019.

(ABC11)

North Carolina Poison Control revealed that the average for that month between 2014-2018 was 85. According to Dr. Charles Gerardo, individuals who get bitten by a snake should act fast and resist cutting the bite or trying to suck out the poison.

Furthermore, snakebite victims should avoid using tourniquets and icing the bite. Instead, they should seek out professional medical treatment as quickly as possible.

9. North Carolina is home to six species of venomous snakes.

(ABC11)

The state with the most snake bites is home to the cottonmouth, copperhead, pigmy rattlesnake, eastern coral snake, eastern diamond rattlesnake, and timber rattlesnake.

Furthermore, there are an additional 31 species of snakes that are non-venomous in North Carolina. According to experts, the most dangerous one in the state is the copperhead, as it can be found in many locations.

10. 1-2 people in Texas pass away every year from venomous snake bites.

(Texas Health and Human Services)

Coral snake and pit viper facts reveal these are the two species of venomous snakes residing in the Lone Star State.

The pit viper includes the cottonmouth, rattlesnake, and copperhead.

The Texas coral snake is the sole member of the elapids group located in the Lone Star State.

The most common symptoms of venomous snake bites include dizziness, fever, thirst, tissue death, blurred vision, and increased salivation.

11. Permanent injury and disability occur in 10-44% of victims of rattlesnake bites.

(CDC)

CDC snake bite statistics estimate that globally, snake bites cause permanent disabilities in around 400,000 people. In fact, the burden of snakebite disability and death is equal to that of cervical or prostate cancer.

Snake envenoming can cause blindness, neuromuscular paralysis, intracranial hemorrhage, and the loss of smell.

12. There are over 100,000 cases of snakes biting cats and dogs each year.

(ASPCA)

Furthermore, snake bite facts also reveal the mortality rate in pets following a snakebite is between 1-30%. Though this depends on the size of the companion, type of the snake, and the location of the bite.

The number one thing that pet owners must do following a snake attack is contacting their veterinarian as quickly as possible.

13. The chances of a pet recovering from a snake bite if treated early is 80%.

(RSPCA)

Snake bite statistics from 2021 revealed that the pets who are left untreated after a snake bite will most likely pass away. Whereas if treated early, some will recover within 48 hours.

Keep in mind that if the veterinarian’s office is far away, you should apply a pressure bandage around the site of the bite to slow the venom from spreading to the animal’s heart and then rush to get professional help.

What is the Deadliest Snake in the World? Global Snake Bites Statistics

Snake bites are neglected in many countries around the world. But, this public health issue is most prominent in tropical and subtropical countries. Millions of snake bites and thousands of deaths happen, mostly in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

14. The death rate from snake bites in India is 1.28 per 100,000 individuals.

(PLOS)

What country has the most deaths from snake bites? Without any doubt — India. Every year, 81,000 people get bitten by a snake, and 15,000 pass away.

[visualizer id=”5976″]

The second country is Indonesia, with 11,581 deaths. While the third is Nigeria, with 9,900 deaths.

The data on snake bite deaths by country reveals Pakistan and Bangladesh are also on the list with 8,264 and 8,000 deaths, respectively.

15. Almost 97% of snake bite deaths in India happen in rural areas.

(DeccanHerald)

According to experts, the main reasons for the high mortality range in India’s rural areas are the victim’s delayed arrival (or non-arrival) at health centers. And the shortage of anti-venom medication doesn’t help either.

Furthermore, experts claim that snakebite victims should not wait more than six hours after the bite to seek out medical help.

16. Close to 90% of all snake bite deaths in India are from one of the “big four” species of venomous serpents, snake bite statistics for India from 2019 reveal.

(DeccanHerald)

These are the common krait, the Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, and the saw-scaled viper. Unfortunately, there are many instances of under-reporting of venomous serpent bites in India, as not many victims reach healthcare professionals.

17. There are around 1 million snake bites in sub-Saharan Africa every year.

(National Geographic)

Snake bite statistics in Africa reveal that this results in about 30,000 tragic deaths.

As mentioned, snake bites on the continent are most frequent in sub-Saharan countries. They usually happen during rainy seasons, as this is when the snakes become more active.

18. The inland taipan is the deadliest snake in the world.

(Wayback Machine, Atlas of Living Australia, Billabong Sanctuary)

According to snake bite facts, the inland taipan is the most venomous snake, including sea snakes.

It’s estimated that a single bite from the inland taipan can kill at least 100 adult men. The species inhabits north-eastern South Australia and south-western Queensland.

19. There are approximately 3,000 serpent bites in Australia every year.

(FlyingDoctor)

Snake bite statistics for Australia reveal there are approximately 550 hospitalizations and 2 deaths a year in the Land Down Under. So, how can you avoid serpent bites in Australia?

Firstly, wear protective clothing such as thick boots and jeans to protect yourself from bites. Secondly, if you spot a snake, do not provoke it. Stats reveal that nearly 1 in 5 snakebites occur when a person provokes the animal.

Thirdly, let the snake know you are there by stomping your feet and making noise. This will let the animal know that a human is nearby.

Copperhead Snake Facts

As scary as they may be, copperhead snakes have incredible features and fascinating hunting skills.

20. Copperheads are the only species of snakes with markings in an hourglass shape.

(Live Science)

Copperhead snakes are pit vipers, much like water moccasins and rattlesnakes.

Pit viper snakes have pits between their eyes and nostrils on each side of their head, which they use to sense heat, as some cool facts about snakes reveal. This helps them strike their prey in the most accurate way possible.

21. Full-grown copperheads eat 10-12 meals per year.

(Live Science)

According to experts, when copperheads attack larger prey, they start by biting the target, releasing it. After the venom has worked, the copperhead snake tracks down the prey.

Viper Snake Facts

Vipers are interesting for many reasons, but one of the most fascinating ones is that they give live birth!

22. There are four main types of vipers, fun facts about snakes reveal.

(PetsOnMom)

The four main types of vipers are the Fea’s viper, the night adder, the pit viper, and the true (or pitless) viper. The most primitive among the bunch is the Fea’s viper; it has characteristic short fangs, shorter than those of various other subfamilies.

23. The average lifespan of a viper is 12-16 years.

(Pest Wiki)

However, keep in mind that a viper in captivity can live longer than a viper in nature. According to some weird facts about snakes, vipers also give live birth, so the eggs are incubated in the female viper’s body.

Interesting Facts About Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnake is one of the best-known species in the world. We bet there’s not a single soul that’s not familiar with its famous rattle. Here are a couple of interesting things about the species.

24. The rattle sound of a rattlesnake is a very effective warning sign.

(Live Science)

Facts on rattlesnakes reveal the rattles are pieces of keratin found at the end of a rattlesnake’s tail. When threatened, or when preparing for an attack, the keratin pieces knock against each other, creating a distinctive buzzing sound.

25. Female rattlesnakes can store spermatic fluid for months before the eggs are fertilized, according to facts about rattlesnakes.

(Live Science, ABC)

However, this is not an oddity exclusive to rattlesnakes. Other snake species can store spermatic fluid up to six months following the mating process.

The female snake uses specific cells in the body to secrete proteins and sugars that preserve the sperm.

Furthermore, experts believe that when a snake knows food is available, it will give birth to more than one clutch of eggs after mating.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Facts

The species may be one of the largest and most dangerous in North America, but this shouldn’t scare you too much. And here’s why.

26. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake only attacks humans when scared and defensive.

(National Geographic)

Even though some snakes may bite a human or a larger animal for food, in most cases, it’s just an act of self-defense when frightened and threatened.

Diamondback rattlesnake facts show these snakes can strike the victim at up to a shocking one-third of their body length.

27. They live in dry areas ranging from North Carolina to western Louisiana.

(National Geographic)

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is considered the largest dangerous snake in all of North America. They are typically found in sandy woodlands, pine Flatwoods, as well as coastal scrub habitats.

Coral Snake Facts

The species are fascinating to look at. Its colors will amaze you, but don’t even try to get near it.

28. It can be difficult to tell a coral snake’s tail from its head.

(Live Science)

Coral snakes are unique types of snakes because they use their typical appearance to fool attackers. They are almost neckless, have round noses, and they’re colorful. Some say coral snakes believe it’s always better to lose a tail than a head.

29. Other non-venomous snakes disguise themselves as coral snakes by having similar patterns on the body.

(Live Science)

According to amazing coral snakes facts, this deadly snake is known for its bright colors and its highly effective venom.

According to experts, the shovel-nosed snake and the scarlet king snake look very similar to the coral snake, but both are non-venomous.

Sara Vernum, a herpetologist from Wisconsin, claims there is a rough way to estimate which type of snake is venomous and which is not.

Just remember that red and yellow can kill you, whereas the red and black combination is not dangerous. Of course, don’t entirely rely on this, as there are exceptions.

Texas Rat Snake Facts

Looks (and sounds) can be deceiving, and the Texas rat snake is here to teach us that!

30. Texas rat snakes are non-venomous snakes that frequently imitate the “rattle” of a rattlesnake.

(SnakeFacts)

Texas rat snakes are typically found in swampy areas, forests, and grasslands. Still, they can also be spotted in urban areas like Houston and Fort Worth.

They can be aggressive and will usually defend themselves by biting, striking, or smearing the attacker with an unpleasant smelling odor from their cloaca.

31. Snake facts and information reveal that the Texas rat snake is also called the chicken snake.

(SnakeFacts)

This species is known for being capable of climbing trees with ease and swimming in water in search of potential prey.

The Texas rat snake likes hanging around hen houses hunting rats and other rodents. Still, they also enjoy snacking on chicks and chicken eggs.

Facts on the Inland Taipan

As if Australia didn’t already have enough venomous, poisonous, and generally dangerous specimens, it’s also home to the most venomous snake in the world, according to the snake bite statistics for Australia.

32. The Inland taipan is also known as “the fierce snake.”

(SoftSchools)

According to inland taipan facts, this species of extremely venomous snakes belong to the elapid group of snakes.

Interestingly, this snake is only found in Australia and nowhere else in the world. The reason why it’s called fierce is because of its potent venom capable of killing 250.000 mice and 100 adult men.

33. Without anti-venom, a human will likely die 30 minutes after the attack by an inland taipan.

(SoftSchools)

Snakes in Australia facts reveal that the inland taipan is a terrestrial animal, which means that it is adapted to life on the ground level.

Humans may get bitten by this snake if it is threatened or accidentally stepped on. According to sources, it is known to bite up to eight times in a single attack.

Facts on the Black Mamba

Black mambas are another snake species known for spreading terror and death.

34. Black mambas are actually brown, not black.

(National Geographic)

Interesting facts about snakes reveal that this species got its name from the blackish-blue hue of the inner portion of their mouths. When threatened, or when it is ready to attack, the black mamba displays the inside of its mouth.

This species is known for being nervous, fast, and highly venomous, contributing to numerous deaths worldwide.

35. Black mambas can reach a slithering speed of up to 12 mph, making them faster than most humans.

(Live Science)

Venomous snake facts reveal that one of the reasons the black mamba, Africa’s longest snake, is feared is its speed. This snake can reach an average of 7 mph over long distances.

Moreover, the myths exaggerate its capabilities, claiming it can outrun even horses.

Pet Ownership Statistics

Snakes are beloved exotic pets that bring joy to many. When you get past the fear, they’re actually fascinating creatures.

36. 555 in 1,000 households own snakes as pets, as interesting snake facts reveal.

(AVMA, EmboraPets)

The most popular snake breeds kept as pets include ball pythons, king snakes, milk snakes, boa constrictors, and corn snakes. These snakes are popular among pet owners due to their low maintenance requirements and docile temperaments.

37. In Florida, cobra snake facts reveal that you can own a king cobra as a pet if you have an annual permit.

(PetsOnMom)

Even though most states in America don’t allow pet ownership of venomous serpents, in some states, you can have a pet cobra if you obtain an annual permit.

To receive approval, the owner must demonstrate that the animal is housed securely and that state regulations about traveling and inspection are respected.

FAQ

38. How fast does a snake bite kill you?

Before answering this question, it is crucial to realize what venom is.

It’s a combo of enzymes, molecular substances, and proteins venomous snakes use to immobilize and debilitate prey. As a result, venom can disrupt nerve impulses and destroy cells in the body.

Venom breaks down tissues and cells, leading to internal bleeding, paralysis, and even death of the victim.

How long before you die depends on the snake and the dose of venom it injects into your body when biting you.

39. What does the number of rattles on a rattlesnake mean?

A clever way to determine how old a rattlesnake could be is by counting the rattles. Typically, you can assume that the animal added 2-3 rattles for every year of its life. The rattlesnake’s first rattle is formed when the animal is around two weeks old.

However, there are some cases of rattlesnakes losing the rings on the rattle. Keep in mind that there are around 30 different types of rattlesnakes in the world.

40. How to identify a copperhead snake?

There are a couple of ways you can identify a copperhead snake. But the simplest one is by taking a look at the pattern on their skin. A typical copperhead has darker spots on its back that are hourglass-shaped.

Furthermore, this type of snake has cat-like eyes and a head shaped like a diamond. Also, younger copperheads have a vibrant green tail.

Copperhead snakes are non-venomous and beneficial. They prey on rodents that can contribute to home destruction, such as rats and mice.

41. How to tell if a snake is poisonous?

Even though it is impossible to be sure whether a snake is venomous by just looking at it, there are two myths people believe in.

Myth 1: Venomous serpents have triangular heads.

Truth: 99% of snakes have triangular heads.

Myth 2: Venomous serpents have a pattern.

Truth: Snakes such as corn snakes, milk snakes, and garter snakes are non-venomous, and they still have a pattern.

Final Thoughts

Overall, it is crucial to understand that most snakes don’t attack humans because of aggression but rather due to feeling threatened or provoked.

Hopefully, these snake bite statistics illustrated the importance of watching out when working in tall grass, hiking in the forest, or even handling a snake, as many can deliver fatal bites.

Stay safe, and if you encounter a snake, leave it alone!

Sources

Share
Tweet
Share
Pin it
Share

Hermina believes that every day is a chance to learn something new about the obscure world around us. The driving force behind her writing is her passion for sharing knowledge with others all around the world. After attaining her master’s degree in English language and literature, she has decided to join the team of creative writers dedicated to delivering the hottest content on the web. So what are Hermina’s favorite topics to cover? Animals, good books, health, fitness, self-care—you name it.

1 comment

  1. You need to make a correction to #40, paragraph 3. Copperheads are most definitely venomous snakes. After having been bitten by one recently and two subsequent visits to the ER, I can attest to this fact.

    Reply
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

— Previous arcticle

34 Pit Bull Statistics to Break Stereotypes (2024 UPDATE)

Next arcticle —

Shark Attack Statistics: Why, When, and Where They Attack