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Related Experiment Videos

Apparent fatal snakebite in three hawks

J O Heckel1, D C Sisson, C F Quist

  • 1Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|October 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary
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Snakebite was diagnosed in three raptors from Florida and Georgia. Post-mortem examinations revealed hemorrhage, necrosis, and muscular degeneration, indicating venom toxicity from snake encounters.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Pathology
  • Wildlife Toxicology
  • Avian Ecology

Background:

  • Snakebite envenomation is a significant threat to wildlife, particularly avian predators.
  • Understanding the pathological effects of snake venom on raptors is crucial for conservation efforts.
  • Geographic overlap between venomous snakes and raptor populations can lead to frequent predatory interactions.

Observation:

  • Three deceased raptors (two red-tailed hawks, one Cooper's hawk) from northern Florida and southern Georgia were examined.
  • Two red-tailed hawks were discovered near partially consumed venomous snakes.
  • A Cooper's hawk was found adjacent to a den housing cottonmouth and eastern diamondback rattlesnake species.

Findings:

  • Post-mortem examinations revealed gross findings of hemorrhage and gangrenous necrosis in one limb of all affected birds.

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  • Histological examination showed severe muscular degeneration, consistent with venom-induced myotoxicity.
  • The pathological findings strongly support snakebite envenomation as the cause of death.

    • Implications:

    • This study highlights the predatory risk venomous snakes pose to raptor populations in the southeastern United States.
    • The observed pathology provides valuable insights into the effects of North American pit viper envenomation in avian species.
    • Findings underscore the importance of considering snakebite as a cause of mortality in raptor mortality investigations within this region.