If you’ve stumbled upon mysterious bites or wounds and suspect a rat snake may be the culprit, you likely want to identify if the marks were caused by this common snake species. Rat snakes are found throughout much of North America and encounters with humans can occasionally lead to defensive bites.
While not venomous, rat snake bites can still pose a risk of infection and appropriate treatment is recommended. Read on as we provide a detailed explainer on how to identify rat snake bites.
Appearance of Rat Snake Bite Marks
Single or Paired Punctures
When a nonvenomous snake like a rat snake bites a person or animal, the bite typically shows up as one or two puncture wounds from the long, curved teeth. Rat snakes have two fangs on the top jaw, so they usually leave behind two neat, closely spaced holes after biting.
According to veterinarians, these perfectly round or oval punctures clearly show the width and spacing of the fangs.
Unlike venomous snakes which often bite and release quickly, nonvenomous snakes tend to hang on when biting defensively. So there may be additional teeth marks around or between the two main fang punctures from smaller teeth, but the paired holes from the longer fangs are the most prominent part of the bite.
Minimal Bleeding and Bruising
While the small puncture wounds may bleed a little bit at first, rat snake bites do not usually cause significant bleeding or bruising in mammals. According to wildlife experts at the University of Florida’s Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation website, the bleeding from nonvenomous snake bites is greatly reduced compared venomous snakes like rattlesnakes.
Additionally, there is typically no swelling or inflammation around rat snake bites on humans or pets. Without dangerous venom toxins, the snake saliva does not irritate the tissue enough to cause bruising or noticeable marks beyond the two fang holes.
Symptoms of Rat Snake Bites
Mild to Moderate Pain at Bite Site
Rat snake bites are generally not medically significant to humans. The symptoms tend to be mild to moderate pain, redness, and swelling around the bite site. Many people describe the bite feeling like a pinprick or needle poke.
The pain typically resolves within a few hours as the snake’s saliva is not considered toxic to humans.
Some people may experience burning or itching around the bite area as it heals. The bite marks themselves resemble tiny pin pricks that are red and may lightly swell. Usually only one or two marks are noticeable from the snake’s small rear fangs.
Severe envenomation is extremely rare from a rat snake bite.
Redness and Swelling
Most noticeable symptoms are redness and swelling around the rat snake’s bite site. The swelling is usually minimal, extending just inches beyond the bite. Some minor bruising is also possible as the area heals.
The swelling typically reaches its peak 12-24 hours after the bite occurs then slowly subsides over the next few days as the wound heals.
Applying a cool compress can help ease swelling and pain. Over-the-counter antihistamines and pain medication are also generally effective at relieving bite symptoms. However, if swelling becomes extensive or exceeds 6-8 inches, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation to rule out infection.
Low Risk of Significant Effects
Unlike venomous snakes, rat snakes are constrictors that kill prey by squeezing. Their saliva does not contain toxic venom compounds, so they present a low risk for systemic effects in humans. Nausea, muscle aches, dizziness, and other concerning symptoms are not expected.
That said, any animal bite does present a risk of infection. Seeking medical care is wise if symptoms seem excessive or fail to improve within a few days. Signs of infection include worsening pain, swelling, redness, heat, red streaks, pus drainage, fever or flu-like illness.
Prompt antibiotic treatment can clear any associated infection.
Treating Rat Snake Bites
Cleaning and Disinfecting
If you are bitten by a rat snake, the first step is to clean and disinfect the wound. Gently wash the area with soap and warm water to remove any dirt or debris. Be sure to clean the skin around the bites as well. After washing, apply an antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin or Neosporin to the bites.
Then cover them with sterile bandages or a clean cloth.
It’s important to keep the bite wounds clean to prevent infection. Check the bandages daily and change them if they become dirty. If signs of infection develop, such as redness, swelling, oozing pus, or red streaks, see your doctor right away. You may need a short course of antibiotics to clear it up.
Using Antibiotics if Needed
Though rat snake bites are not venomous, antibiotics may be prescribed if the wound shows signs of infection. Oral antibiotics like Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate), doxycycline, or Keflex (cephalexin) are commonly used. The course is usually 5-10 days depending on severity.
Topical antibiotic creams can also be used on the skin wounds themselves in addition to oral medicines. Take care not to overuse topical antibiotics, as this can promote antibiotic resistance in bacteria over time. Use only as long as needed for healing.
Pain Management
Rat snake bites can be quite painful. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain and inflammation around the bite wounds. For severe pain, prescription medications may be given such as tramadol, hydrocodone, or short-term oral steroids like prednisone.
Apply ice packs wrapped in cloth to the bites for 10-15 minutes several times a day. This can relieve swelling and throbbing discomfort. Avoid applying ice directly to skin.
Keep the affected area elevated above the level of your heart when possible. This can help reduce swelling which causes pain. Resting also helps the healing process.
See your physician promptly if you have severe or worsening pain after a rat snake bite despite self-care measures. Other treatment options can be explored to help relieve your discomfort.
Preventing Rat Snake Encounters and Bites
Securing Food Sources
Rat snakes are often drawn to areas with readily available food sources like small rodents. To avoid attracting them, be sure to seal any gaps or holes in your home’s foundation, walls, roofs, and around entryways. This blocks access points for rodents looking for shelter.
Store pet food in airtight containers and clean up any spilled food right away. You can also use humane traps to catch and remove any rodents on your property. Eliminating their food supply will make your home much less appealing to rat snakes.
Blocking Access Points
In addition to sealing up holes and gaps where rodents enter, you’ll want to prevent rat snakes from getting into your living spaces. Make sure all doors and windows have good seals and use weather stripping when needed.
Screens on windows and doors should be in good repair, without any tears or holes. Keep garage doors closed when not in use and install solid kick plates at the base. Prune back any overgrown vegetation touching your home. Stack firewood and lumber at least 5 feet away from the foundation.
Adding these barriers will help keep snakes outdoors where they belong.
Safe Handling If Found Indoors
If you do find a rat snake that’s made its way inside, remain calm. While they may deliver a nasty bite if threatened, rat snakes are not venomous. Your safest bet is to leave it alone and let the snake find its way back out.
If you need to handle it, wear thick gloves and use a long stick or snake hook to pick it up. Support its body to avoid injury and release it outside. Block any potential access points so it doesn’t return. Teach children to notify an adult and not attempt catching or touching snakes they encounter.
With proper handling, most indoor visitors can be removed safely.
Conclusion
While rat snake bites can give a good scare, following proper first aid and understanding how to identify their bite marks can help put your mind at ease. With appropriate wound care and precautionary measures, rat snake bites do not have to pose serious medical risks.
If bites cause increased pain, swelling or other worsening symptoms, be sure to follow up with a healthcare provider right away.
