The 5 most dangerous snakes in the country and what to do in case of an accident

Brazil is one of the countries with the highest number of accidents caused by venomous animal bites in the world. In all, there are more than 200,000 cases per year, which includes, in addition to snakes, spiders and scorpions, for example. Snake bites alone are about 30,000.

But do you know which is the most dangerous snake in the country? A hint: only one type of snake accounts for more than 80% of attacks🇧🇷

O awesome.club consulted the researcher Rui Seabra Ferreira Júnior, coordinator of the Center for the Study of Poisons and Venomous Animals at Unesp (Cevap) and one of the greatest snake specialists in Brazil to find out which species are the most dangerous.

In the end, as a bonus, we show the researcher’s tips in case of an accident.

Are you afraid of snake? Stay with us!

Responsible for only 0.5% of accidents in the country, true coral has a venom with neurotoxic action that blocks the neuromuscular system, causing respiratory failure, making swallowing difficult, causing vomiting and blurring vision. Because of these complications, coral poison can kill in about 3 hours, in the case of the most serious accidents.

where is found

Strictly speaking, the species is common throughout the American continent, with the exception of Chile and Canada. Here in Brazil, it potentially occurs throughout the national territory, being found predominantly between the states of Bahia and Santa Catarina.

Curiosity

As you may know, in addition to the true coral, there is also the false coral. The two are very similar and, in general, only people with more experience are able to differentiate. When in doubt, avoid contact with the animal.

The largest venomous snake on the American continent It can reach 4 meters in length and its venom inoculating teeth can be 5 cm long. However, this incredible snake is responsible for only 1.5% of accidents recorded in Brazil. Its venom causes serious local injuries such as necrosis and blisters and can kill up to 3 hours after the accident.

where is found

Found in southern Bahia and in the Amazon Rainforest.

Curiosities:

The jackfruit beak is capable of a 2-meter boat The species is considered vulnerable, almost at risk of extinction. So if you see a jackfruit beak and it doesn’t pose a risk of attack, let it go its way.

Second place in the ranking of accidents, being responsible for 13% of the cases or about 6 thousand occurrences. It is well known for the rattle located on its tail that emits an unmistakable sound. Its venom causes respiratory arrest, loss of kidney function and a lot of pain throughout the body, and can kill an adult between 3 and 6 hours after the accident.

where is found

It can be found throughout Brazil, with the exception of areas with large forests, as it prefers drier places.

Curiosity

Quite common in the United States, in English the snake is called ‘rattlesnake’, which literally means ‘rattle snake’.

It’s not for anyone. If you are unlucky enough to be bitten by a snake one day, the best chance is that you are the victim of a pit viper. The snake accounts for no less than 83% of attacks recorded in the country or 25 thousand cases.

Its venom causes tissue destruction causing necrosis mainly of the fingers, which may have to be amputated in case of an accident. In addition, it causes heavy bleeding throughout the body and can kill an adult within hours if not properly treated.

where is found

They are found throughout the Brazilian territory, as there are more than 20 species in Brazil alone.

Curiosity

There is an endemic species that inhabits Ilha Queimada Grande, on the coast of São Paulo — the place is also known as Ilha das Cobras. The species, known as jararaca ilhoa only exists on this island and nowhere else in the world.

Although it is responsible for very rare accidents, we could not leave this incredible Brazilian giant out of the list.

Where it is found: It is the largest snake on the American continent and the heaviest in the world. It can reach 9 meters in length and weigh over 100 kg.🇧🇷 It is found in the Amazon basin and also in the Pantanal. They can also appear in some rivers in the southeast region.

As it is a constrictor snake, it has no venom, but it is capable of killing a person quickly because due to its grip, it is impossible to breathe.

“It is important to keep in mind that the only treatment for snakebite is antivenom.” explains Professor Seabra. And the antivenom is only applied in hospitals.

Therefore, in the event of an accident, avoid:

Cut the site Garrote the affected area Suck the blood Ingest any substance

The ideal, according to the researcher from Unesp, is to keep the person calm and take them as quickly as possible to the referral hospital in each city.

It doesn’t hurt, therefore, to have the contacts of the Firefighters (193) and Samu (192)🇧🇷 They are prepared to provide first aid and will find it easier to find a hospital with the specific serum.

Are you afraid of snakes?

Know someone who has been bitten?

Tell in the comments.