Q: Hi, I just moved into a new house with a little forest and a canal in the back yard. One day, I was fishing and saw a water moccasin stick its head up from the water. At first, I thought it was a fish, but when I got closer, I realized I was wrong! I'm scared to death. Is there anything I need to know if I'm bit or someone I know is? -- Tyler, age 10
A: Hey, Tyler, thanks for your question. How lucky for you to have your own forest and canal in your back yard.
It's good that you are respectful of the snake you saw. It's always a good idea to respect all kinds of wildlife by giving them plenty of room and keeping a safe distance away from them.
But it's not good for you to be "scared to death" in your own back yard. The best way for you to overcome your fear is to learn about snakes.
Tyler, I used to be afraid of snakes, too. I had nightmares about snakes. But once I learned more about them, I wasn't so afraid anymore.
Finally, what do you do if someone gets bitten by a snake? A snake expert (herpetologist) I know says the best thing to do is drive to the emergency room of a hospital. He says don't use a tourniquet, don't cut off the skin where the bite is and don't place the bitten area in ice. Just get to a doctor as quickly as possible.
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