What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Kennicott's Black Head Snake Bite
• Plains Centipede Snake Bite
• Tantilla Nigriceps Snake Bite

What is Plains Blackhead Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The plains blackhead snake (Tantilla nigriceps) is a small non-venomous snake that belongs to the largest snake family called Colubridae. This elusive and secretive reptile is endemic to North and Central America. It is distributed across several states in south and south central US and in northern Mexico
• The snake is generally found in moist soils near rocky hillsides or flat grasslands (prairies). It is mostly active during the nights and generally stays underground (inside small animal burrows) or under rocks and leaf litter. It feeds on centipedes and millipedes, slugs and earthworms, and insects (including their larvae); the snake uses its mildly toxic saliva to capture prey
• The plains blackhead snake ranges in size from nearly 8-12 inches, to rarely, about 1.5 feet in length. the snake is slender-bodied and possess a moderately long tail. Its head and neck are almost continuous in size and the snake has small eyes; the head and neck are typically dark to black in color. The body of the snake is uniformly colored grey, tan, or brown with lighter underbelly
• Human contact with this snake is not commonly reported and Plains Blackhead Snake Bites are very infrequent. Sometimes, these snakes may be found in building basements. The snake is non-venomous to humans, the snake bite does not cause any envenomation and lethality potential is absent. The snake bites are termed “dry bites” (non-venomous bites)
• Rarely, there may be some mild effects at the bite site, including pain, swelling, and local numbness. However, no significant systemic symptoms are observed. A treatment of the condition may involve wound cleaning, steps to prevent secondary infections, and tetanus shots, as needed. Individuals with Plains Blackhead Snake Bites have usually excellent prognoses with proper treatment