Annual Probability of Venomous Snake Bite in the US
~1 in 50,000
Annual probability in US
About 7,000-8,000 venomous snake bites occur in the US each year, causing about 5 deaths. Most bites are from rattlesnakes.
Approximately 7,000-8,000 venomous snake bites occur in the United States each year, resulting in about 5 deaths annually. This makes the annual risk approximately 1 in 50,000. The vast majority of venomous bites (about 60%) are from rattlesnakes, followed by copperheads (about 30%), cottonmouths/water moccasins (about 8%), and coral snakes (about 2%).
Most snake bites occur in the southern and southwestern United States between April and October, when snakes are most active. About 85% of bites occur on the hands or feet, and a significant proportion involve people who were trying to handle, kill, or provoke the snake. Male individuals account for about 75% of bite victims, and the highest-risk age group is 18-35.
Treatment for venomous snake bites involves antivenom, which is highly effective when administered promptly. CroFab and Anavip are the two antivenoms available in the US. The average hospital bill for a snake bite with antivenom treatment is approximately $100,000-$150,000, making it one of the most expensive emergency treatments. Prevention includes wearing appropriate footwear in snake habitat, watching where you step, not reaching into areas you cannot see, and giving snakes a wide berth rather than trying to move or kill them.
Use This in a Decision
Plug this probability into our expected value calculator to make a data-driven decision.
Start a Decision