Human envenomation from the bite of the eastern garter snake, Thamnophis s. sirtalis (Serpentes: Colubridae)

Abstract

A 13-yr-old victim of a prolonged eastern garter snake (Thamnophis s. sirtalis) bite was hospitalized following development of coolness, edema and ecchymosis of the bitten hand. Although lymphatic involvement was noted, vital signs and laboratory tests were normal and rapid recovery followed. Subsequent asymptomatic Thamnophis bites of the subject indicate that these clinical changes were not allergic. This case from Delaware suggests that widespread toxicity within the genus is likely.