VIDEO: Toddler Bitten by Copperhead

The copperhead is one of the most common snakes in North America and it comes equipped with a nasty bite. Nataly Horn and Michael Cook were thrust into a terrifying situation when they found out their 2-year-old, Kiley, had been bitten by one while playing at day care. The little girl’s first two fingers began to swell dramatically and turn black. She was rushed to the ER and the staff worked quickly to keep her comfortable as the venom did its worst. Watch the video to find the resolution of the unfortunate event!

Read the full story below, provided by Liftable.

It’s one of the most common snakes in North America and it comes equipped with a nasty bite. The North American copperhead is a pit viper that gets on well in almost any terrain.

Usually these snakes are happy to eat rodents but can become defensive when faced with a human encounter. These snakes give no warning before they strike, putting them at the top of the list for bite numbers each year.

The snake that gets its name from the copper color of its skin has Hemotoxic venom that is mild, however when they bite a small child, the situation becomes more serious. This was the case when a toddler was bitten at Rainbow’s Promise Daycare in Granbury, Texas.

Nataly Horn and Michael Cook were thrust into this terrifying situation when they found out their 2-year-old, Kiley, had been bitten by a copperhead while playing at day care. Nataly who works at the daycare was teaching a class at the time her daughter was bitten.

Michael was more than distraught after he received a call informing him, “Your daughter was bitten by a snake. We’re going to the ER right now.” Little Kiley was being airlifted to Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas; a hospital that sees 17-25 snake bites in children a year.

According to Herpetologist, Jeff Beane, “a copperhead bite often results in temporary tissue damage in the immediate area of bite.” This was the case for Kiley’s bite as her first two fingers began to swell dramatically and turn black.

The staff worked quickly to keep Kiley comfortable as the venom did its worst. Fortunately, it is rare for a North American copperhead bite victim to need anti-venom.

The scary situation was soon over and Kiley was sent home with mom and dad to recover. The couple is happy to have their little girl back to being herself.

Nataly recalls the moment she found out her daughter had been bitten, “It was a scary moment. My heart stopped.” The family has a new found respect for the outdoors “We’re scared to even let her go outside right now,” she said.

As for Rainbow’s Promise they are ramping up their snake security measures with mesh fencing and more snake patrols. Owner, Tama Loftland has never experienced a snake bite in her 18 years of business.

Have you had an experience with a venomous snake or spider bite? Bring the conversation to social media by clicking the buttons below, bringing situations like these to light can help prevent future bites.

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