Venomous snake bites on the rise in North Carolina

Be on the lookout for snakes this summer, as venomous snake bites are on the rise in North Carolina, according to medical experts.

The North Carolina Poison Control has seen a 67 percent rise in venomous snake bite calls from January to April of this year, according to Atrium Health.

Michael C. Beuhler, a medical director for NC Poison Control, said there are many reasons as to why this may be the case, including the fact that just more people are calling for help or increased interaction between humans and snakes.

The wet winter North Carolina experienced may also be a factor because it increased the amount of available food sources for the snake, Atrium Health reported.

In order to decrease your chances of getting bitten, Beuhler suggests not antagonizing the snake and wearing "good footwear, a flashlight, and not putting your arms and legs in places you can’t fully see."

If bitten, Beuhler said treatment depends on where the bite is and how much venom was injected. The puncture wound might be red and swell a little bit and may lead to an increased heart rate and anxiety.

Copperheads are the most common pit viper snake in the state, but about half of copperheads do not release venom or have small amounts of it, according to Atrium Health. If you are bitten by a "dry" copperhead, swelling will be minimal and you will not experience many symptoms.

Beuhler said bite victims who are not having life-threatening symptoms to call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.