Two Days, Two Copperheads

Jeff Vanmeter holds a 42" copperhead he killed in Windyville. It's the second one reported in EC in as many days.

What's Up With These Copperheads? KY Fish and Wildlife Says...

Darren Doyle, story: photo submitted by Angela Phelps:
Some people run, others grab a stick or garden hoe, but most people get the "heebie jeebies," when it comes to snakes, especially venomous ones. Yesterday, we reported how a Bee Spring man killed a 42" copperhead as he was taking an afternoon walk. Today, a Windyville man killed the exact same size snake.

Jeff Vanmeter was notified by Daniel Skaggs, who was cutting Vanmeter's field, that he had a copperhead trapped with the front end loader on his tractor. Vanmeter reportedly grabbed a garden hoe and killed the snake, which also measured in at 42".

According to KY Fish and Wildlife, copperheads mate in the spring and their young are born live in summer or early fall. Female snakes can sometimes be more aggressive during this time. 

While most people in Edmonson County will most certainly try to kill a venomous snake, KY Fish and Wildlife says don't.

"Even if a venomous snake has been killed, you should not attempt to handle it. Due to reflex action, a snake can still deliver a venomous bite for a short period after it has been killed," according to the department's "KY Snake Book."

"If you are one of the unlucky few to be bitten, most sources agree that the best first aid is a set of car keys to get the victim to professional medical care. Other first aid techniques that have been used for snakebite include tourniquets or constricting bands, venom extraction devices, cutting across the fang marks, and even electric shock. However, most experts believe these devices are not effective and in some cases may do more harm than good. The important thing is to remain calm. It is estimated that on average only 9-15 deaths occur in the U.S. each year from snakebites."