MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — The South is home to some interesting reptiles, including snakes.
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina is home to 38 species of snakes, six of which are venomous.
Of these snakes, the one your pet is most likely to encounter is the pit viper. It is the most prevalent in all of South Carolina. They are about 2 to 4 feet long and come in a variety of colors, from pale pink to tan.
Copperheads have an hourglass pattern and, of course, their heads are cooper-colored. They can live anywhere from the mountains of the upstate to the swamps of the Lowcountry.
The most unlikely threat to your pet is the pygmy rattlesnake. This is a fairly rare snake, a small snake only about a foot long.
This snake is usually light gray to dark charcoal in color with dark spots on its back and a faint red line down its spine. These are never found in the mountains, but are usually found near fresh water bodies.
When walking your pet in the woods, it’s best to stay on the trail. Walkways have been cleared of obstructions and hiding places for snakes.
Pets are curious, but don’t let them explore blindly. For example, avoid sticking your nose into hollow logs or rock crevices. If you come across a snake, give it a big birth.
If your pet has been bitten by a venomous snake, check for signs of the bite. Pets usually experience severe pain. If poisonous, your pet may experience weakness, tremors, muscle spasms, or shock.
Go to the vet right away. Once there, blood tests will be performed to determine if the toxin is present in the bloodstream, how much, and the best course of treatment.
The chances of dying from a snake bite in South Carolina are pretty low. Mortality rates range from 1% to 30%, but this is highly dependent on the size of your pet.
Small dogs are more likely to die from a snake bite, so care and safety should be taken in the woods.
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