The majority of snake species worldwide are non-venomous, lacking the specialized glands and fangs required to inject toxins. Despite lacking venom, these snakes have teeth and will bite as a reflexive, defensive action. Understanding the nature of this bite and knowing how to respond is important for anyone who spends time outdoors or encounters these animals.
Yes, They Bite: Understanding the Behavior
Non-venomous species lack the large, hollow fangs of venomous snakes, but possess hundreds of small, sharp, needle-like teeth. These teeth are generally curved backward, which helps them grasp and pull prey into their throats. A defensive bite from a smaller, non-venomous snake often feels like a series of shallow pinpricks or a sharp pinch, resulting in minor bleeding and superficial scratches on the skin.
The physical act of biting is generally a last-resort behavior for most non-venomous snakes. In the wild, their first instincts are usually to remain still to avoid detection or to flee the area entirely. A defensive strike is often a quick, snapping motion where the snake attempts to startle the threat before retreating. Larger constricting snakes, such as pythons or boas, have stronger jaws and much larger teeth, which can result in deeper puncture wounds and significant lacerations, especially if the person jerks away before the snake releases its grip.
Motivations Behind the Bite
The context of a snake bite is rarely aggression, but rather a reflection of the snake’s instinctual drive to survive. The most frequent motivation for a bite is simple self-defense, occurring when a snake feels trapped, cornered, or physically handled. If a snake cannot escape what it perceives as a threat, it will often strike out in a desperate attempt to create space and deter the perceived danger.
A second, distinct motivation is a feeding response often referred to as mistaken identity. This situation is more common with captive snakes, but it can occur in the wild if a person handles rodents or other natural prey just before interacting with a snake. The snake detects the scent of food on the person’s hands and may lunge for the heat and movement, mistakenly identifying a finger or hand as a meal. In this instance, the snake may latch on, as it would with prey, rather than immediately releasing, which is a key difference from a defensive strike.
Bites can also result from pain or stress, particularly if a snake is injured, roughly handled, or improperly restrained. Any uncomfortable or painful manipulation can trigger an immediate, reflexive bite as a warning signal. The behavior is driven by fear, hunger, or physical distress, as the snake is simply reacting to stimuli.
Immediate Response and Wound Care
If a non-venomous snake bite occurs, remain calm and immediately move away from the animal to prevent further bites. Non-venomous bites typically appear as a row of small, shallow pinpricks or a “U”-shaped arc of scratches, which may bleed slightly but rarely require extensive medical intervention. The primary concern with any non-venomous bite is the risk of bacterial infection from the snake’s mouth or the environment.
Thoroughly cleaning the wound with soap and running water is the most important step. This process helps to wash away any bacteria introduced by the snake’s teeth. Following a careful wash, apply an antiseptic solution or an antibiotic ointment to the site, and then cover the area with a clean, dry bandage.
Monitor the bite site closely over the next few days for any developing signs of infection, such as increasing redness, significant swelling, warmth, or discharge. Medical attention should be sought immediately if the bleeding is heavy or difficult to stop, or if the wound is very deep, as it may require stitches. Additionally, a healthcare professional should be consulted if there is any uncertainty about the snake species or if the person has a compromised immune system or a pre-existing condition like diabetes.