Encounters and tips from the outside

All of those comments about killing copperheads are not found in this section. Please feel free to submit your own comments and stories about Copperhead snakes in the FB comment field. You can read even more Copperhead snake comments and stories in the comments section.

Comment by: Lyndsay

I was bitten on Friday evening by what the doctor assumes is a Copperhead. I did not see the snake because it was dark outside. I was bitten on the inside of my left heel. My heel was instantly swollen and red with two fang marks. I went to the hospital and after 5 hrs was given 4 vials of antivenin because my entire left leg became extremely painful all the way up to my stomach. I was then given an additional four vials of antivenin over the next 18 hrs and was put in the ICU. My left leg is still very painful and it’s Sunday. When will I begin to feel better? I still am having a hard time walking and my entire leg throbs including the area where I was bitten.

Reply from: Copperhead snake Admin

Hi Lyndsay, Unfortunately, I have bad news. It is common that the pain after a Copperhead bite lasts for 8 days. Since it was necessary to give you antivenin, you can expect that your pain will not go away anytime soon. I’m very interested in knowing how it involves. Would it be possible for you to keep a “diary” about your bite until the pain goes away? Many readers in here would like to know how things turn out.

Reply from: Lyndsay

Also, thank you for the information you gave about when I might start to feel better. I was released from the hospital yesterday (a total of 2 nights there).

Comment by: Ron

Does anyone know the record size for a copperhead in Illinois? I think I got the big one. Yes, the venom is deadly on a 6 pound Chihuahua (dog). Seriously, I could be holding the record? I cannot find any info for IL. I did find the endangered-protected list and copperheads are NOT on list I downloaded. Correction: Chihuahua (Pumpkin- Female Dog) was 4.2 lbs and was dead within 14 hours of being bitten on her hip.