It is snake season again in Texas!

I met a patient today who was bitten by a copperhead snake last night. And - she brought the dead snake with her to the hospital!

Toni Wylie, from Grandview, Texas, is in our Trauma ICU unit today recovering from a snake bite on her heel. Tonight, her story will air on all local newscasts - so tune in to them for more.

For now, I wanted to share a few helpful hints about snake bites and snake awareness from Dr. David Smith, medical director of the trauma program at Texas Health Fort Worth:

1) If you are gardening or working in the yard, do not reach underneath bushes or plants when you cannot see what is around them

2) If you are walking around outside when it is dark, bring a flashlight with you

3) If you are walking in tall grass or at night, wear boots that come up to your knees and not flip flops

4)If you are bitten by a snake - try to identify the colors or patterns on the snake and get to your local hospital or trauma center immediately

5) Do not try to kill the snake or have someone else kill the snake. You don't want to put yourself or others of getting bitten

Dr. Smith also says that anti-venim medicine is the most effective treatment for snake bites.

Some interesting facts you might want to know about snakes:

• Copper Heads, Rattlesnakes and Water Moccasins are the most common kinds of snakes in the state of Texas.


• Texas Health Fort Worth saw 13 patients last year with snake bites. This year, we have already seen 9 patients. Snake bites seem to be on the rise this year.

Below are pictures of the snake that bit Ms. Wiley and Dr. Smith showing us how long the snake is!