Snakes

From ClemsonWiki

Only two (2) species of venomous snake live in the Clemson area. The Canebrake Rattlesnake and the Southern Copperhead. There are a few well educated Herpetologists in the area to talk with should you need advice. One is Jim Farmer of Oconee Reptiles and the other is Joel La Rocque who has been working with snakes for some 38 years now and has received 8 bites from various venomous snakes. He has practiced self immunization by injecting various snake venoms directly into his body to build anti bodies which counter act snake bites and it has been shown to work. The Canebrake rattler is a sub speces of the Timber rattlesnake and its venom is more potent than the latter as it contains a neuro toxic component as well as the usual proteolitic properties of most rattlesnakes in the U S. Fewer then 10 deaths per year are recorded as a result of rattlesnake bites. The new anti venoms used have proved to be extremely successful in saving lives of both man and animals who have been bitten by pit vipers.

James L. Farmer

1537 Highlands Highway

Walhalla, South Carolina 29691

864-638-9340

Joel T. La Rocque

3 Windwood Way

Walhalla, South Carolina 29691

864-888-1205

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