For most average sized colubrids, it is quick and almost painless. Sometimes they bleed a bit.

Indigos and big milksnakes bite HARD! Their bites can actually hurt, pressure-wise.

Of course, the bigger the snake, the more impressive the bite. Big pythons and boas can leave a bruise and even require stitches if they pull out at an angle.
Some small species have impressive bites - sandboas come to mind.

Here's a bite I got from a wild Mexican (Pine) Gophersnake (Pituophis deppei jani) last week -



I guess I said "ouch", but it wasn't a big deal. I did wash it thoroughly with alcohol gel, however.

Venomous snake bites are a whole different ball game. While some are painless, others can make you feel like the affected area is on fire and won't go out. The pain is quite surprising and it doesn't go away when they administer antivenin. It can hurt like fire for days or weeks.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

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