A North Carolina mayor has recounted the harrowing experience of his wife being bitten by a venomous copperhead snake as they prepared to dine outdoors at their suburban residence. Republican Mayor Robert Burns of Monroe, a city near Charlotte, revealed that his wife Lauren was attacked by the four-foot reptile while he was grilling salmon on their backyard deck.
The Attack
Burns described the moment to Fox News, saying, 'She's out there talking to her dad on the phone, and I hear "it's not good, babe." I'm like, "what's not good? The salmon is going to be great, honey. I don't know what you're talking about."' His wife then felt a sharp pain in her lower leg, and upon rushing to her aid, Burns discovered 'two puncture wounds that were bleeding right above her ankle.' Their teenage son quickly killed the snake as Burns took his wife to Atrium Health hospital in Matthews for treatment.
Copperhead Snakes
Copperhead snakes are responsible for more venomous bites than any other snake species in the United States, according to National Geographic. While most people recover from a copperhead bite, the experience is extremely painful and can be fatal. These snakes thrive in both rural and suburban areas like Monroe, located about 25 miles southeast of Charlotte near the South Carolina border. They are prevalent across dozens of southern and eastern states, from New England to Texas and Florida. Typically around three feet in length, copperheads are gray or tan with bronze heads and hourglass-shaped stripes.
Recovery
Burns provided updates on his wife's condition via social media. The day after the attack, he wrote, 'So... word has gotten out that my sweet wife was bitten by a large copperhead last night. When it happened, we rushed her to the ER. The staff at our local hospital were absolutely amazing. They were responsive, kind, very helpful, and overall fantastic. Our biggest concern was the possibility of it not getting better and having to use the anti-venom, which carries its own risks, along with the potential for an extended stay.' He added, 'Fortunately, things stabilized, her vitals were steady, and they sent us home. We're not out of the woods yet, though. She is in a lot of pain, probably more than I've ever seen her in.'
Three days later, Burns reported progress: 'My friends, PRAYER WORKS. My sweet wife is doing remarkably well considering just two days ago how bad off she was. Yesterday she turned a corner in her pain and today she’s still very sore but is even better to a point she is actually up a little using crutches.' He expressed gratitude for the support and noted that their family's faith rests in the 'Great Healer.'
Medical Advice
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking a photograph of the snake for identification, washing the bite gently with soap, and removing jewelry near the bite area due to swelling. They warn against taking painkillers, applying ice or a tourniquet, or attempting to suck out the venom. Copperhead bites are rarely fatal but can be deadly for the elderly or immuno-compromised individuals.
