Wildlife Watch: Your Health Guide to Louisiana Wildlife
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Southwest Louisiana is home to diverse wildlife, from alligators to feral hogs, snakes, spiders, and ticks. While these animals are an important part of the ecosystem, encounters can sometimes lead to serious injuries. Being aware of how to prevent and treat wildlife-related injuries can help keep you safe in Louisiana’s outdoors.
In addition to direct encounters with wildlife, deer-related vehicle collisions are another significant concern, especially during the fall and winter months when deer activity increases. In this post, we’ll cover injury statistics, prevention tips, and what to do if you find yourself in an accident.
Common Animal-Related Injuries in Louisiana
Alligators
Louisiana’s wetlands and bayous are home to many alligators. While they typically avoid humans, attacks can occur when alligators are provoked or feel threatened. Bites from these powerful animals can cause severe trauma, including fractures, deep lacerations, and infections due to bacteria in their mouths. While fewer than 10 alligator injuries are reported annually in Louisiana, alligator attacks can still happen.
According to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LWF), alligators less than 4 feet long are naturally fearful of humans and generally are not a threat. However, alligators longer than 4 feet can present a threat to pets, livestock, and humans are considered nuisance alligators. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries offer resources to have nuisance alligators removed. Generally, LWF recommends that if the alligator is not approaching people or wildlife wait a few days, even a week before contacting the agency.
Alligators often bask along ponds and streams, warming their bodies, but are not actively hunting. When sensing a human near, alligators typically retreat to the water. However, if an alligator comes straight towards you, especially if they exit the water to do so, LDWF should be contacted. For fishers, alligators occasionally chase after topwater lures and floats, but do not pose a threat. However, if alligators repeatedly follow boats, canoes or other watercrafts at a close distance without going under water, they may pose a threat and should be reported to LDWF.
Alligator Safety Tips
In the unlikely event you are injured by an alligator, seek immediate medical attention. Apply pressure to stop bleeding and keep the wound elevated. Avoid excessive washing of the wound to allow medical professionals to properly assess it.
If you encounter an alligator, move a few yards away in a slow manner. If you hear an alligator hiss, you are too close. It is extremely rare for alligators to chase humans. In some cases, mother alligators may charge a person who is too close to the nest but will quickly retreat if the intruder leaves.
Keep small pets and dogs on leashes and under control. Alligators may see small dogs as an easy source of food. Avoid walking your pet in areas known to contain alligators and keep pets inside fenced areas and away from water.
If you see an alligator in the roadway or unexpected place, DO NOT attempt to move it. To do so in the state of Louisiana is not only highly dangerous, but also illegal.
If you see an alligator in a swimming hole or pond, do not swim in that area. It is also recommended to not swim in swimming holes, lakes or ponds during dusk and dawn when alligators are actively hunting for food.
Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/alligator-program)
Snake Bites
Venomous snakes, such as cottonmouths (water moccasins), copperheads, and rattlesnakes, are found across Louisiana. Snake bites can lead to severe pain, swelling, tissue damage, and, in rare cases, death if left untreated. Each year, 7,000-8,000 people in the US are bitten by venomous snakes. While these bites could be deadly, morality rates from snake bites are low because people seek medical attention.
Louisiana is home to 47 native species of snakes, but only seven of those are venomous. From April till July, it is common to see more snakes as they emerge from their winter hibernation in search of food, mates, and shelter. Snakes often look for places to bask in the sun to warm their bodies, which is why we often see snakes on Louisiana highways.
As humans have a natural fear of snakes, snakes also prefer to never come in contact with humans. However, as more rural areas are developed snake sightings increase.
Snake Safety Tips
If you see a snake, it is best to observe it from a distance and the snake will leave on its own.
Keep your yard free of debris by mowing tall grass, getting rid of leaf piles, and cleaning out dense shrubs and vegetation will help keep the rodent population to a minimum and reduce the occurrence of snakes.
If you are bitten by a snake, seek medical attention as soon as possible to start antivenom. If you are able, have someone else drive you to the hospital to avoid further injuries if you become dizzy or pass out.
If possible, take a photo of the snake to aid in further treatment.
Do not attempt to pick up or trap the snake after a bite, even if it is dead.
You should remove rings and watches immediately, wash the bite with soap and cover with a clean, dry dressing.
Do not wait until symptoms appear to seek medical attention.
Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, suck out the venom, apply ice or submerge the wound in water, or use any “wife tales” for medical treatment.
Avoid alcohol or pain relievers.
Source: [CDC – Venomous Snakes](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/)
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/ldwf-now-that-spring-is-here-keep-an-eye-open-for-snakes-please-give-me-a-break-not-a-rake
Feral Hogs
Feral hogs are an increasing problem in Louisiana, and while they generally avoid humans, they can become aggressive if threatened. Their sharp tusks can cause deep puncture wounds that are prone to infection. Hogs are also known to carry diseases that can spread to humans.
Adult feral hogs can weigh between 200 – 400 lbs. and vary in color from black, brown, and reddish brown. Feral hogs have large teeth known as tusks or cutters, that can grow up to 3 inches in length. The increasing feral hog population in Louisiana has major impacts mostly on the environment, impacting crops, hayfields, tree farms and lawns, causing erosion and irrigation issues. Feral hogs are also known to prey on small livestock and wildlife, impacting goats, lambs, and cattle populations.
However, the feral hog population also poses harmful effects to humans. While feral hog attacks are rare in Louisiana (less than 10 annually), the multitude of diseases carried by feral hogs can have an effect on humans. Experts recommend using high levels of precaution when field dressing or butchering feral hogs. Field dressing, butchering or consuming feral hog meat can result in Swine Brucellosis, pseudorabies, classical swine fever (hog cholera), tularemia, foot and mouth disease, and vesicular stomatitis.
Feral Hog Safety Tips
Vehicle accidents involving feral hogs are common. Use caution when traveling in the early morning and evening, especially in wooded areas where feral hog populations have been spotted.
When processing or consuming feral hog meat, always use rubber gloves and protective eyewear.
Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products when handling raw feral pork.
Refrigerate carcass/meat as soon as possible.
Cook meat to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wash all coolers and utensils with hot, soapy water, and bleach.
Source: [USDA – Feral Hog Damage] (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/operational-activities/feral-swine/feral-swine-damage)
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/feral-hogs
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/operational-wildlife-activities/feral-swine/damage-people-pets
Spider Bites
Louisiana is home to venomous spiders like the brown recluse and black widow. Brown recluse bites can cause necrosis (tissue death) at the site of the bite, while black widow venom can lead to muscle pain and cramping. While many people fear spiders, there is no evidence that spiders attack humans. Most often, spider bites happen when humans inadvertently upset or invade the spider’s space.
Spider bites are often mistaken for other skin conditions, like sores, infections or burns. Oftentimes, people will mistake spider bites as bites from other insects like bugs, fleas, or mosquitoes. A doctor will likely have to diagnose a spider bite, so if you suspect you have been bitten by a spider, you should seek medical attention. However, if you know you’ve been bitten by a spider, it is important to identify the spiders or take a photo in order to get correct treatment.
Most spiders are harmless, however, bites from a black widow, brown recluse, brown widow, or a yellow sac spider can cause significant medical issues and need medical treatment. Most spider bites from common household spiders will heal on their own for about a week and can be treated by cleaning the wound and applying cool compress. However, bites from recluses or black widows need medical attention. If you are bitten by either of these spiders, or if you notice a wound is not getting any better, seek medical treatment.
Spider Safety Tips:
Clean spider wounds with soap, water and antibiotic ointment.
Observe the bite for signs of worsening infections. Antibiotics may be needed if the bite develops into an open wound or becomes infected.
If you have been bitten by a black widow, seek emergency medical treatment immediately. Doctors will need to prescribe antivenom for treatment of these bites.
If outside at night, use a flashlight to illuminate webs and avoid them.
Wear gloves when working in areas prone to spiders like crawl spaces, piles of lumber or tiles, newspapers, storage sheds and closets.
Check work, gardening, utility gloves and work shoes for spiders.
Clean and vacuum unused and undisturbed areas around your home frequently.
Seal cracks and spaces around windows and doors and repair window screens.
Source: [CDC – Spider Bites] (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/spiders/)
https://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Center-PHCH/Center-CH/infectious-epi/EpiManual/SpiderBitesManual.pdf
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spider-bites/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352377
Ticks
Ticks in Louisiana can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia. Tick bites themselves may go unnoticed, but the diseases they transmit can have serious health effects.
Ticks can be transmitted through animals and humans. Many people get ticks from walking in the woods, but you can get a tick from your own yard. Mowing grass, reducing tall grasses, and eliminating brush and leaf piles can help eliminate ticks. Removing old furniture, large trash piles and bags can eliminate places where ticks tend to hide.
Even with these precautions, tick bites can still happen. To remove a tick, grasp a tick from the skin's surface with clean tweezers or a tick-removal device. Use steady, even pressure to pull the tick up and out of the skin. Do not twist or jerk the tick, which can cause the tick to stay in the skin. If that happens, continue to use tweezers to remove all of the tick. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to clean the bite area. Do not crush a live tick. Put the tick in alcohol or flush it down the toilet.
Seek medical treatment if you:
Cannot remove the tick.
Live in an area known to have many cases of Lyme disease.
Have not had a tetanus shot in 10 years.
Get a rash or fever within 2 to 14 days after the bite.
See swelling or redness that spreads.
Feel weak or experience face, eye, or mouth drooping.
Tick Safety Tip
Do not walk through high grasses, brushy areas or fallen leaves. Stay in the center of trails and wooded paths.
Treat clothing with tick repellant that has permethrin to avoid putting DEET bug repellent on your skin.
Check your clothing for ticks when you come inside. Remove unattached ticks and throw your clothes into a hot dryer for at least 10 minutes.
Check your dog and other pets that go outside daily. Ask your vet to recommend tick-protection products.
Shower after coming in doors to wash off unattached ticks.
Check your body for ticks. Use a mirror to make it easier.
Source: [CDC – Tickborne Diseases] (https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/)
American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Our Trauma Center is Here to Help
Stay informed and stay safe while enjoying Louisiana’s great outdoors. Knowing how to prevent and handle wildlife encounters can make all the difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe.
If you or someone you know is injured in an animal-related incident, our hospital’s trauma center is equipped to handle emergency cases. Whether it’s an alligator bite, a snake bite, or injuries from a vehicle accident, we have the resources to provide comprehensive care and get you back on your feet. To learn more about our Trauma Center, click here >>>
For more information on Louisiana wildlife safety, check out these resources:
- [Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries](https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/)
- [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Venomous Snakes](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/)
- [CDC: Tickborne Diseases of the U.S.](https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/)
- [CDC: Mosquito-Borne Diseases](https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/index.html)
