Are Corn Snake Bites Poisonous or Dangerous? Facts on Symptoms and Treatment (2024)

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Every year, thousands of snake bites get reported to poison control centers. Luckily, a corn snake is not one you’ll have to worry about.

Nonvenomous, these docile snakes may nip if feeling threatened, but the small wound easily heals with first-aid. So while startling, their bite poses little danger despite those sharp, backward-curving teeth.

Stay calm if bitten – the corn snake’s harmless. Simply wash and bandage the area.

Do Corn Snakes Bite?

Yes, corn snakes can bite you in rare cases even though they’re non-venomous.

Corn snakes typically only bite when threatened or startled. They’ll coil into a ball and hide their head when scared. Look for a coiled posture and an attempt to flee as signs a corn snake feels threatened.

Use slow, gentle movements when handling corn snakes. Support their body fully and avoid fast motions.

If bitten, gently unwrap the snake. Stay calm and don’t yank it off. Wash the bite with soap and apply alcohol.

Bites may be painful but aren’t dangerous. Proper handling and a stress-free habitat minimize chances of being bitten.

Are Corn Snake Bites Dangerous?

Corn snake bites can be painful, but they’re generally not dangerous or life-threatening.

Unlike venomous snakes, corn snakes are non-venomous and don’t possess any harmful toxins in their bite.

The mild discomfort experienced from a corn snake bite is usually limited to shallow marks on the skin and may cause mild pain similar to a pinch.

These bites typically draw little to no blood and pose no significant risk of infection or other complications.

Corn snakes are docile creatures that are easy to handle, making them popular pets for reptile enthusiasts.

While it’s rare for corn snake bites to occur, if one does happen, proper cleaning and disinfection of the wound should be sufficient treatment without the need for further medical intervention.

Why Do Corn Snakes Bite?

Corn snakes may bite you for a number of reasons.

• Sudden movements
• Stress from shedding
• Hunger
• Poor handling technique
• Overhandling
• An unfamiliar environment
• Health issues
• General stress

Being aware of what causes corn snake bites allows you to take steps to avoid them.

Sudden Movement

One reason corn snakes may bite you is if you startle them with sudden movements.

An unexpected touch, quick movement, or rapid movement near the snake can startle it and trigger a defensive bite.

Corn snakes may strike out if you make them feel threatened by sudden movements they aren’t expecting.

Defensive bites from sudden, unexpected movements tend to be more painful but aren’t dangerous.

Shedding Stress

You’re handling your corn snake too much when its skin is ready to shed. This shedding stress can make your snake irritable and more likely to bite.

Shedding stress causes irritability and defensiveness in corn snakes, making them more prone to biting when handled during this sensitive period. Their aggression stems from the discomfort and vulnerability experienced while shedding old skin.

It’s best to avoid all contact with shedding snakes to prevent stress-induced biting.

Hunger

Your corn snake’s third reason for biting may be hunger.

The snake’s aggressive behavior while feeding can sometimes lead to bites.

Hunger causes aggression in corn snakes, leading to an increased number of bites.

Hungry corn snakes bite more often as they become desperate for food.

Hunger can also cause weight loss, lack of interest in prey, increased escape attempts, and general irritability in corn snakes.

Incorporating a regular, proper feeding schedule is key to avoiding hunger-induced aggressive behavior.

Poor Handling

Mishandling your snake can stress it out and make it more likely to bite you.

If you use poor technique, incorrect methodologies, or have insufficient knowledge when interacting with your corn snake, it can become stressed.

Things like improper transportation, unfavorable habitats, and poor handling practices based on insufficient knowledge about the red cornsnake or chicken snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) can provoke defensive biting.

Stress

When corn snakes experience stress, they may bite as a defensive response.

Understanding these sources of stress can help snake owners create a calm and suitable environment for their pet corn snakes (Lampropeltis rhombomaculata).

What Happens When Bitten?

Oftentimes, you’re likely to experience mild to moderate pain if bitten by a corn snake.

The pain is typically caused by the snake’s teeth puncturing your skin.

The bite itself isn’t dangerous, but it can become infected if not properly cleaned and treated.

You should wash the wound with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment.

If the pain is severe, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

The bite will usually heal within a few days, but you may experience some scarring.

First Aid for Bites

If you’re bitten by a corn snake,

• Stay calm and stay still.
• Gently unwind the snake.
• Wash the wound with cold water.
• Clean the wound with an antiseptic soap.
• Apply alcohol.
• Secure the wound with a bandage if needed.

Stay Calm

Staying calm is the first step in first aid for corn snake bites.

Do not panic.

Clean the Wound

Wash the wound with cold water and clean it with an antiseptic soap.

Apply antibiotic ointment, apply ice, and elevate the wound.

Seek medical attention if the bite is severe or if you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, or swelling.

Bandage if Needed

After cleaning the wound, apply a bandage if needed.

The bandage should be snug, but not too tight.

It should be made of a breathable material, such as gauze or cotton.

Remove the bandage after 24 hours and clean the wound again.

Replace the bandage as needed.

Preventing Future Bites

To prevent future bites from corn snakes, you can:

• Feed your snake small mice after every 7-10 days.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with your snake before feeding.
• Abstain from handling your snake during the shedding period.

Proper Handling

To prevent future bites,

• Feed your snake regularly
• Reduce stress
• Handle your snake properly.

This means using gloves,

• Avoiding sudden movements
• Handling with care
• Washing your hands before and after handling your snake.

Reduce Stress

Reducing stress is key to preventing future corn snake bites.

Provide hiding places, warm temperatures, water, plenty of space, and avoid loud noises to keep your snake calm.

Regular Feeding

Regular feeding will help to prevent future bites from your corn snake.

Feed your snake small mice after every 7-10 days.

Feed your snake the appropriate size mouse for its age and size.

Are Corn Snakes Venomous?

Corn snakes aren’t venomous, so their bites can’t cause serious harm. However, their bites can be painful and may cause infection if not properly cleaned and treated.

If you’re bitten by a corn snake, wash the wound with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment.

See a doctor if the bite becomes infected or if you have any concerns.

Corn Snake Bite Severity

When bitten by a corn snake, the severity of the bite can vary depending on factors such as the location and size of the snake.

It’s important to note that corn snakes are non-venomous, so their bites don’t result in envenomation or tissue damage.

In most cases, a corn snake bite will cause only mild pain and leave no lasting damage.

Fortunately, medical attention is usually not needed for corn snake bites unless there are signs of infection or severe allergic reactions.

Overall, while being bitten by a corn snake may be uncomfortable initially, rest assured that it poses minimal risk and can be easily managed with proper wound care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)