Increasing Chances of Being Bitten by Venomous Snakes

A recent study conducted in Georgia, USA, has revealed another concerning consequence of climate change: an increased likelihood of venomous snake bites due to warmer weather. Georgia is home to 17 species of venomous snakes, with seven of them posing a common concern for humans. The study’s analysis demonstrates that for every degree Celsius rise in temperature, there is an average of nearly a 6 percent increase in snake bites.

Snakes are known to respond to seasonal shifts in weather patterns, undergoing a winter hibernation-like state called brumation. Therefore, it is not surprising that these findings align with previous studies in this field. Although the researchers did not extensively explore the reasons behind the association between warmer weather and increased snake bites, they suggested that both environmental factors and human activity might play a role alongside snake biology.

Noah Scovronick, a health and environmental scientist from Emory University, acknowledged the limited knowledge regarding how short-term weather changes influence human-snake interactions, especially in areas lacking comprehensive data on snakebite causes. Nevertheless, the study demonstrated that valuable insights can still be gained using available epidemiological methods and modest datasets.

Increasing Chances of Being Bitten by Venomous Snakes

The research team examined 3,908 hospital visits related to venomous snake bites that occurred between 2014 and 2020 in Georgia. They cross-referenced these admissions with daily weather data, including temperature and precipitation. Interestingly, while summers recorded the highest overall number of snake bites, it was during the spring that the strongest correlation between temperature and snake bites was observed. The researchers hypothesized that higher temperatures in summer might make snakes less active, potentially contributing to this finding.

Although the study did not attempt to predict the future impact of rising temperatures on snakebite risks, the expansion of urban areas is already increasing the likelihood of human-snake encounters. According to the World Health Organization, snake bites result in over 5 million cases annually and cause up to 138,000 deaths each year. The venom from snakebites can lead to various health complications, amputations, and permanent disabilities.

Lawrence Wilson, a herpetologist from Emory University, emphasized that education is crucial in reducing negative encounters. By raising awareness about snake habitats, such as areas with dense ground cover, people can be more cautious when encountering these habitats. Living in harmony with snakes, including venomous species, is possible as long as we respect and understand their habitats and needs, Wilson added.

References: Landry M, D’Souza R, Moss S, Chang HH, Ebelt S, Wilson L, Scovronick N. The Association Between Ambient Temperature and Snakebite in Georgia, USA: A Case‐Crossover Study. GeoHealth [Internet]. American Geophysical Union (AGU); 2023 Jul;7(7). Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2022gh000781