I need some help. I need a photograph of the species of coral snake that calls south Georgia home. Two weeks ago, a man in my community was bitten by a coral snake. He thought the snake was a scarlet king, tried to pick it up and it nailed him. I am doing a story on the incident for my local newspaper, and I need a photo of a coral snake for the story. I'll be more than happy to give whoever sends me the photo that gets used a photo credit in the paper. More than likely, the photo will be on the front page in color, but I can't say for sure. I'm a herper myself, and post from time to time on the Burmese and reticulated python forums. I'm not out to sensationalize the story or make either the man or the snake out to be the bad guy. Man saw snake, tried to pick it up, snake bit man, man goes to hospital, receives antivenin, man survives. The snake, unfortunately, did not.
Though we are in rural south Georgia where venomous snake encounters are common, we don't have many venomous snake bites, particularly from coral snakes. So this is kind of a big story. Also, I could use some information on coral snake venom, what happens when a person is bitten, how the venom reacts to the body, etc., as well. I know what the guy who was bitten said, but I'd like to hear from some experts. If you can help me out, send photos, information and/or any questions you may have to rnhpreston@alltel.net.
Thanks,
RP
