Biological Hazards J. Wesley Graham Field Biologist
GOOD MORNING!!
Snakes 55 species of snakes in Mississippi Six are venomous Five of the six are pit vipers Pit refers to the sensory organ just below each eye used for heat sensory and guidance Elongated pupils Hinged fangs
Copperhead Brown, pinkish tan or chestnut colored (autumn colors) with darker brown hourglass shaped crossbands Juveniles have yellow/greenish tail 2 4 feet in length with stout thick body 37% of all poisonous bites
Adult is usually yellowish brown to dark brown on the back with darker black, indistinct crossbands. A white face band may be present. Juvenile tend to resemble a copperhead and have bright yellow or even chartreuse tails. Very heavy bodied snake usually averaging 2.5 to 4 feet in length. The only venomous water snake found in Mississippi. Name is derived from the white inner mouth which is commonly exposed when the snake is threatened. Cottonmouth
Base of Canebrake dam Length = 7 Weight = ~ 70 lbs. Head = 4 ½ wide
Eastern Diamondback Medium brown with dark diamond shaped markings. Each diamond is bordered by a single row of light colored scales Distinctive rattle on the tail. Averages 4 to 4.5 feet in length, but has been recorded to nearly 8 feet. The largest rattlesnake found in Mississippi.
Canebrake Rattlesnake a.k.a. Velvet Tail or Timber Rattler Rusty colored line runs down the center of the back. Averages 3 to 4.5 feet in length and has a rattle on the tail. Most distinguishing feature is the uniform, black tail
Pigmy Rattlesnake a.k.a Rattlesnake Pilot or Ground Rattler Gray to reddish in color, with dark brown or black blotches along the middle of the back and alternating spots which run down the sides. The smallest Mississippi rattlesnake averaging just 18 to 20 inches in length. Has rattles on its tail however they are small or sometimes missing. The most distinguishing feature are the large scales which are symmetrically arranged on the crown of the head.
Black, red and yellow ring pattern (the yellow and red rings are always touching, side by side). The head is small and black with tiny black eyes. Slender bodied, cylindrical snake averaging 2 to 3 feet in length. Easily distinguished from harmless members of the kingsnake family. Red and yellow, kill a fellow! Red and black, friend of Jack! Coral Snake
Which is dangerous?
Snake Bite Symptoms and Treatment Burning pain, swelling and skin discoloration are the most common early symptoms. Other symptoms may include weakness, nausea and vomiting, sweating, chills, muscular twitching and difficulty in breathing. Immobilize the bitten limb (as in a fracture), treat the victim for shock and get to the nearest hospital or medical doctor as soon as possible. Never cut and suck, apply ice or cold packs, or use a tourniquet.
Spiders
Brown Recluse Brown-to-gray abdomen Yellow or orange coloring on the legs Orange-to-yellow cephalothorax with a violin-like pattern.
Black Widow Black and shiny with a red hour-glass shape on their abdomen (sometimes appearing as two red marks). Black Widow venom is EXTREMELY poisonous to humans.
Brown Widow Color ranges from light tan to dark, nearly black with an orange hour-glass shape on under-side of abdomen Egg sac has protrusion-like appearance (spiky) unlike other widow spiders Will ball up and play dead. Venom is twice as potent as black widow venom
Poisonous Plants
Poison Oak Leaflets in clusters of three Shape of leaflet resembles an white oak leaf and often has a hairy appearance Urushiol is the toxin that causes the rash
Poison Ivy Very similar to poison oak but leaf shape is much more varied Grows in shrub form, ground cover, or vine Compound leaf with three leaflets
Poison Sumac Small tree or shrub like growth pattern Leaf edge is smooth not jagged Compound leaf with 9-13 leaflets attached by a red rachis Found in/near wet areas
Symptoms Itchy where the plant touched your skin. Red streaks or general redness where the plant brushed against the skin. Small bumps or larger raised areas (hives). Blisters filled with fluid that may leak out. If breathed in, can cause severe respiratory problems
Biting/Stinging Insects
Wasp/Bees Remove stinger immediately Wash site with soap and water May take antihistamine for itching and your preference of over-the-counter medicine for pain relief and swelling.
Severe Reactions If you think you may be allergic or you know you are allergic, especially if you've had a severe reaction in the past when stung by a bee or wasp, seek immediate medical help. Take an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or a non-sedating one such as loratadine (Claritin) as soon as possible. If you have been prescribed epinephrine (EpiPen) for an allergic reaction, always carry two with you and use it as directed.
Ticks Commonly occur throughout the Southeast Found in grass, shrubs, trees, vines.all of outdoors. Bite to attach, then feed on the blood of its host Required for progression through life cycle Act as a vector for numerous diseases
Tick Bites If identified, best method is mechanical removal. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp close to skin. Pull upward.do not twist.
Mosquitoes Found on every continent. Over 3,500 different species Female feeds on blood Vector of numerous diseases Several antihistamine creams can be applied to bites
Biting/Stinging Insects All have the potential to be harmful They are ever-present..be mindful and take necessary precautions. If an interaction occurs, assess the situation and seek medical attention if necessary.
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