KRIS (Corpus Christi, Texas) 10 July 07 Sinton toddler critical after suffering snake bite (Lauren Williamson)
Sinton: A 2-year Sinton boy bitten by a snake remained in an Intensive Care Unit Wednesday evening. HALO Flight was called to his home just after 7 p.m. Dispatchers learned that a snake bit the toddler on his left leg near a home on the 1400 block of County Road 858, just north west of Sinton.
Paramedics said the child was walking near the house when he was bitten. He was flown to Driscoll Children's Hospital, where doctors treated the toddler with snake anti-venom.
At last check, he was in critical but stable condition. Wildlife experts said the recent floods have displaced snakes, posing more danger than usual to humans.
Animal experts said July to October are the months that snakes are most active. For the Coastal Bend region, that means the chances of encountering venomous species like rattlesnakes, water moccassins and coral snakes increase.
To make the situation worse, recent rains have pushed many snakes out of their typical homes, leaving them searching for cool dark areas like under houses.
A man who lives near the scene of Tuesday night's attack told us he's already seen a higher than normal number of snakes.
"On the main road, you'll be driving home or leaving somewhere, and you'll see one in the middle of the road," Nick Harris said. "The last one I saw was about a three foot one."
Anyone who plans on being outside or around taller grass should wear thick boots, with snake bite protection, according to experts.
Residents should also keep their lawns mowed and rid their houses of any mice or rats, which serve as a tasty attraction for the reptiles.
And of course, anyone who sees a snake, should not get near it for a closer look or try to handle it.
If someone is bitten by a snake, they should stay calm. Then try to identify the snake. Most importantly, get the person bitten should be taken to a hospital as quickly as possible, only hospitals keep the life-saving anti-venom on hand.
No one should try to suck the venom out of the bite; this will only spread germs to the wound.
Also, don't use a tourniquet, and don't let a person that's been bitten to drive to the hospital.

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