FORT WORTH -
There is an unexpected effect of the Texas heat; more dangerous snakes are slithering around people's yard.
So far this year in North Texas, nine people have gone to emergency rooms because of snakebites.
In 2008, there were 13 emergency snakebite cases.
The latest victim is a Grandview woman. "It happened so fast, you know like a stab like a needle."
Tuesday night Toni Wiley was taking her dog out for a walk when she was bit right at her back door.
"I had no idea what it was or anything. I just went back inside the doorway," says Wiley.
It was a small copperhead snake.
"The pain will get worse. Victims will have swelling," says Dr. David Smith. Smith treated Wiley at Texas Health Hospital in Fort Worth.
"Depending on how much venom and what type of venom, they can get very very ill."
Experts say snakes become very active in the Texas heat. Sometimes the snakes will seek shade in yards. John Kast with the Fort Worth Zoo says there are things people can do to keep the cold-blooded creatures out.
"There is not enough cover and not enough food in a normal person's backyard for a copperhead to want to be there."
He recommends trimming the shrubs around you house or fence, because snakes like to hide under them.
Also, try to keep woodpiles or brushes areas tidy, and be aware of any unkempt fields around your home.
"Whether the area has just been cleared for a new housing development or the creek is dried up. That will bring snakes out of those areas and send them into people's houses and neighborhoods."
Toni Wiley says her uncle killed the snake, and brought it to the hospital to help doctors treat the bite.
Dr. Smith says if you get bit by a snake it is best to be able to identify the patterns on its skin rather than trying to capture or kill the animal.
So far this year in North Texas, nine people have gone to emergency rooms because of snakebites.
In 2008, there were 13 emergency snakebite cases.
The latest victim is a Grandview woman. "It happened so fast, you know like a stab like a needle."
Tuesday night Toni Wiley was taking her dog out for a walk when she was bit right at her back door.
"I had no idea what it was or anything. I just went back inside the doorway," says Wiley.
It was a small copperhead snake.
"The pain will get worse. Victims will have swelling," says Dr. David Smith. Smith treated Wiley at Texas Health Hospital in Fort Worth.
"Depending on how much venom and what type of venom, they can get very very ill."
Experts say snakes become very active in the Texas heat. Sometimes the snakes will seek shade in yards. John Kast with the Fort Worth Zoo says there are things people can do to keep the cold-blooded creatures out.
"There is not enough cover and not enough food in a normal person's backyard for a copperhead to want to be there."
He recommends trimming the shrubs around you house or fence, because snakes like to hide under them.
Also, try to keep woodpiles or brushes areas tidy, and be aware of any unkempt fields around your home.
"Whether the area has just been cleared for a new housing development or the creek is dried up. That will bring snakes out of those areas and send them into people's houses and neighborhoods."
Toni Wiley says her uncle killed the snake, and brought it to the hospital to help doctors treat the bite.
Dr. Smith says if you get bit by a snake it is best to be able to identify the patterns on its skin rather than trying to capture or kill the animal.
