SLADE, Ky. - Snake bites are on the rise in Kentucky. The copperhead snake is responsible for nearly two dozen poisonous snake bites this year, according to James Harrison, director of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo.
Harrison blames the increase on weather conditions.
“We had a mild winter, we’ve had a drought. And all of those are causing people to have more contact with the snakes. Because snakes are coming down to where there’s water, people are going where there’s water, people are trying to clean up after storm damage.”
Harrison has people bitten by a snake should get to a hospital as soon as possible. Applying ice or attempting to suck the poison out, Harrison explains, could potentially make the bite worse.