Is the rice-field rat snake venomous, and how should a bite be properly treated?

The rice-field rat snake is a fairly common snake in rural areas, mostly appearing in grass, bushes and along roadsides, and some also slip into villagers' homes, so is the rice-field rat snake venomous? How should a bite be treated?

1. Is the rice-field rat snake venomous?

1. The rice-field rat snake is non-venomous

The rice-field rat snake, which also has a more formal name——the black-browed rat snake (Elaphe taeniura), has a fairly large body and is aggressive, but it is a non-venomous species. It likes to climb and generally lives in hills, grass, plains and near village houses, feeding on rats. It is a terrestrial wild animal protected by the state as beneficial, of important economic value and of scientific research value.

2. What should be done if a rice-field rat snake is found?

As for what to do if a rice-field rat snake is found, police advise that when such a wild animal is found, one should follow the “three don'ts and one timely”, namely:

(1) Do not approach it rashly;

(2) Do not catch it without authorization;

(3) Do not eat it;

(4) Report it to the police in a timely manner.

Generally, after assessing the scene, the police will resolve the matter as soon as possible.

2. How should a bite from a rice-field rat snake be treated?

1. Stay calm

The rice-field rat snake is non-venomous, but that does not mean it carries no bacteria. After being bitten by a rice-field rat snake, do not panic excessively; stay calm and do not tangle too much with the snake. Some people, out of fear and anger after being bitten, will battle the snake for 300 rounds, which only causes the wound to worsen because it cannot be treated in time, and there is also the risk of being bitten again. You should seek medical attention in time. Be careful not to suck the venom out with your mouth.

2. Emergency treatment

If you cannot be sure whether it is a rice-field rat snake, it is advisable to carry out emergency treatment first. First find a strap nearby and tie it tightly on the side of the wound closer to the heart to slow the spread of venom. Then use a small knife to cut the wound into a cross shape, then squeeze the blood vessels to expel as much venom as possible.

3. Report to the police in a timely manner

You can immediately dial 110 to report it to the police; the police will quickly send the injured person to the hospital for treatment and properly deal with the rice-field rat snake.

Warm reminder: Rice-field rat snakes mostly lay eggs in June-July, laying 6-12 eggs each time, with an incubation period of about 35-50 days. During this period, it is advisable to go less often to places where rice-field rat snakes frequently appear. You should know that although the rice-field rat snake is non-venomous, its body is large, and if it attacks a person's vital parts, it is still very dangerous.

In addition, in summer, when family members go out, they should pay attention to closing doors and windows to prevent rice-field rat snakes and other wild animals from sneaking into the house to “settle down”.