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Parker County Man Bitten by 2 Copperheads in Matter of Seconds

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Snakes are just a natural part of living in Texas, which is why Steve Glassinger of Parker County simply understood that to be a fact. He was also cautious, but not in an overzealous fashion, which is perhaps one reason he was recently bitten by two copperheads on his 40-acre property on July 11. Residing between Weatherford and Brock, Glassinger had set out to turn off his sprinklers that evening wearing flip-flops, and the incident occurred when he stepped onto a stone pathway.

Parker County Man Bitten by Two Copperheads In Matter of Seconds

Photo: Pixabay

In an interview with the Star-Telegram, he explained, “It was almost like a shock, a vibration, then I felt something slither away.” Upon looking down, he recognized prick marks on his left foot and ankle which were bleeding. Hardly believing what had just happened, he rushed inside and called for his father-in-law. “I was shocked when I saw four individual pair of bites because of how fast it happened,” he said. “I told my father-in-law I had been bit and we were off to the hospital.” Spending the majority of that night at Texas Healthy Willow Park, he was then transferred to Texas Health Fort Worth, where they regularly handle snake bites. It was there they confirmed, according to size of the puncture wounds, that Glassinger had been bitten by two snakes.

Parker County Man Bitten by Two Copperheads In Matter of Seconds

Photo: Pixabay

As a result of a mild winter and two years of wet weather conditions, snake season began early in 2017 according to Dr. David Smith, a Texas Health Fort Worth trauma surgeon. The record for the number of snake bites in one year at the Fort Worth Hospital is 28 from 2014. As of this date, there have been 20 cases this year alone, with the first one happening in March. Dr. Smith felt confident that the record would likely be broken this year.

Parker County Man Bitten by Two Copperheads In Matter of Seconds

Photo: Pixabay

Tips for avoiding becoming one of these cases consist of carrying a flashlight and wearing boots at dusk or nighttime. The doctor also advised that people should not be reaching into dark places under or inside a home as well as amongst the tall grass. “What you need to wear is what everybody wears in Texas — cowboy boots,” Smith explained. Within a 24-hour period, Glassinger had been given six anti-venom vials and would potentially be receiving more if the copperhead venom went further up his leg. He would also be required to stay in the hospital for an additional two to three days depending on his speed of recovery. He commented that the pain still remained despite hospital treatment, commenting, “It feels like it is past the pressure point and that it’s going to explode. It doesn’t stop. It’s constant all of the time.”

Parker County Man Bitten by Two Copperheads In Matter of Seconds

Photo: Pexels

Although he maintained his sense of humor on the matter, he admitted that he’s developed a healthy respect and fear of the reptiles, and spoke about stories of snakes nesting in homes and getting into houses via air-conditioning vents and ducts, shuddering at the thought. To avoid experiencing such drastic circumstances, clear your yard of items that attract rodents, including clutter, piles of logs, and even buckets. Clean and empty outdoor pet food bowls daily, and pay closer attention around dusk and after the sun sets, particularly on hotter days. If a venomous snake is spotted in your yard, move your kids and pets to a safe indoor location and call your local animal control department. And, be advised that even the disembodied head of a venomous snake can continue to be a danger as their slow metabolism can result in a slow death, allowing it the capability to bite.

References:

Star-Telegram

The Sportsman Channel

UC Davis