CLUTE, Texas – A 70-year-old woman is recovering after being bitten by a copperhead snake at her home in Clute.
It happened Thursday morning. The woman was flown by helicopter to a Houston-area hospital, and was discharged Thursday afternoon.
The copperhead snake is one of four venomous snakes found in southeast Texas. The other three include rattlesnakes, coral snakes and cottonmouth snakes.
Copperheads are the most common. They are usually shades of brown or tan.
Coral snakes have red, yellow and black bands.
Cottonmouth snakes are usually dark black and brown. They get their name from the white tissue in their mouth. They are also known as "water moccasins."
According to Craig Howard of Critter Control, the snakes are most active at sunrise and sunset.
"Eliminating water, shelter and food sources will help keep them away from your property," Howard said. "Getting rid of clutter, piles of rocks and debris, or anything they can hide under, also helps."
If a snake bites, you should not wait around.
"Immediately go to the hospital. Don't try to do any treatment yourself," Howard said.
Common symptoms of snake bites include blurred vision, convulsions, nausea and vomiting.
The coral snakes are the most toxic, but Howard said each bite needs to be taken seriously.
One other tip to keep in mind to avoid a bite: Never try to touch a snake, even if it appears to be dead. Snakes can strike up to an hour after death.