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North Carolina has highest venomous snakebite rate in U.S., new report shows
WLOS • • health
Key Points:
- North Carolina has the highest estimated rate of venomous snakebites per capita in the U.S., with 18.79 incidents per 100,000 people and about 856 bites annually, according to a 2026 national analysis by PlayCasino.
- While Texas has the highest total number of venomous snakebites (over 1,400 per year), North Carolina ranks highest when adjusting for population size.
- The state's venomous snake species include copperheads, cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, and the rare eastern coral snake, with copperheads being the most common and typically causing non-fatal bites.
- Snakebite risks in North Carolina are present in diverse environments during warm months, including suburban yards, trails, wetlands, and campsites across different regions of the state.
- In case of a snakebite, the CDC advises staying calm, seeking immediate medical attention, removing tight clothing near the bite, washing the wound gently, and avoiding actions that could worsen the injury.
