Snake bites on dogs at record levels in area this year (article) (Atlanta: home)

[atlantagreg30127]

I thought Copperheads had young in October, but apparently now is the peak time this year, and there are a record number of snake bits on Dogs apparently due to the weather patterns this year, too.

Here's the local news article with video. Worth reading/watching to make sure you are up on the situation: Snake Bites Spike in Atlanta - 11Alive.com | WXIA | Atlanta, GA

[arjay57]

Thanks for the heads up!

[Mattie]

Like Greg, I thought Oct was the prime month for copperhead babies. I was recently out walking my dogs in some nearby fields, keeping an eye out for snakes. It wasn't until we started for home when we just missed stepping on one. It was dusk, but I had a flashlight and was able to identify it as a copperhead, stretched out across the road. Fortunately, I had my rambunctious Lab back on a leash by then.

[atlantagreg30127]

Keep in mind as well, that baby Copperheads usually don't have that "avoid people" instinct that the adults develop as they age. Larger/older Snakes will see you coming and many times (but as said earlier not always) retreat if they can. The baby ones haven't learned to do that yet and will stay put where they are and just strike.

Adults also have been known to "dry bite" someone/something if they're not sure it's a threat but want to put out a warning. A dry bite doesn't necessarily inject a lot (or any) venom. The babies haven't learned to dry bite yet, and if you get bit by a baby, you usually get a full amount of venom, and the baby venom can be just as harmful (especially to smaller pets).

[RoslynHolcomb]

Thanks for the heads up Greg. I haven't seen a copperhead in years. We don't have kudzu or a dog, but lots of ivy. Our son plays in the backyard and of course is always digging his football or golfballs out of the ivy. I'll be more careful.