What to Do After a Snake Bite: Important First Steps

3. Remove Tight Items

Swelling can develop around a snake bite. If possible, remove rings, watches, bracelets, shoes, or other restrictive items from the affected limb before significant swelling occurs.

Do this gently and without manipulating the bite unnecessarily.

Animal Attacks

4. Keep the Wound Clean

If it can be done safely without delaying  medical care, gently clean the bite area with soap and clean water and cover it with a clean dressing.

Do not scrub aggressively or attempt to manipulate the wound.

5. Remember What the Snake Looked Like—But Don’t Approach It

If you noticed the snake from a safe distance, try to remember its general size, color, markings, or other distinctive features. This information may be useful to medical professionals.

Never attempt to catch, kill, or handle the snake. Returning to the animal to obtain a better identification could result in another bite.

6. Avoid Dangerous Home Remedies

Several traditional approaches can make a snake bite worse. Do not: