Hi Curious kids,
Snakes are virtually everywhere. We can find them in our gardens, the ocean and in jungles. Some of these slithering friends can be harmless but some snakes are very dangerous! Snake encounters can be life threatening or even lethal, and it’s all because of their snake bites. Here are three different types of venom you can find in snakes bites and how they can affect you.
Hemotoxic Venom
This snake venom destroys red blood cells in the body of the person who has been bitten. This impacts their tissue and organs. It causes blood clots or prevents blood from clotting all together – both of these can be deadly! This venom works slower than other types of snake venom which means that you can survive if you get proper medical attention. Snakes with this venom are rattlesnakes, Russell’s Vipers, and Boomslangs.
Cytotoxic Venom
This venom kills skin cells and is often found in snakes such as Puff Adders, cobras, and other elapids. Elapids are a family of snakes which are characterised by their fangs that are always visible. This venom is not as deadly as other types. Cytotoxic venom results in different injuries such as the loss of limb function and tissue as well as skin damage. These complications can stay with you for the rest of your life!
Neurotoxic Venom
A bite from a neurotoxic snake has an impact on a person’s nervous system that leads to paralysis of muscles and brain damage. This bite is often not as painful as a bite from a hemotoxic snake, but the effects of the bite set in much faster with noticeable symptoms as soon as 15 minutes after the snake has bitten you. Snakes with neurotoxic venom include the Black Mamba, Green Mamba and the Cape Cobra.
Always be cautious with snakes! It is important to treat each animal with respect and to not invade their space. It can be difficult to distinguish which snakes are venomous and which ones aren’t if you are not familiar with the different types of snakes. If a snake does bite you, make sure to get medical attention as soon as possible.
Happy reading and stay curious kids!
