There is a lot of incorrect information still repeated about what to do after a snakebite. The most important point is simple: a possible venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Get qualified medical help promptly. First-aid details can vary by region and by the kinds of venomous snakes present, so local emergency services, poison centers, and medical professionals should take priority over a field guide or social-media advice. If a bite may have come from a venomous snake: Move away from the snake so no one is bitten again. Do not try to catch, kill, or bring the animal to the hospital. A photograph taken from a safe distance may be useful if it can be obtained without delaying care.
This lesson is part of Certified Herpetological Guide. Enrollment is self-paced, with no deadline to finish (about 50 hours).
