Animal Bites

Jason T
6 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 14 hours ago

We Can’t All Get Bitten by a Radioactive Spider… or Even a Werewolf

A Nursing Student’s Guide to Animal Bites & Wild Encounters

While being bitten by a radioactive spider might land you superpowers (in fiction), most animal bites in real life lead to infection, trauma, and emergency department visits—not superhero status. Whether it’s a curious fox, a startled bear, or a snake that really doesn’t appreciate being stepped on, knowing how to prevent, identify, and treat animal bites is essential for every healthcare professional.

🩺 Why It’s Important for Nursing Students

Animal bites are common emergency room presentations—especially in rural or wilderness-adjacent areas. Proper wound care, early recognition of rabies risk, and psychological support after an attack are all areas where nurses play a vital role. By understanding the difference between predatory vs. defensive behavior, you can better educate patients, protect yourself, and apply the right first aid measures until professional care arrives.

Do you know? We have a Pikachu in Alberta? Not quite, but close! Its a Pika!

The American pika (Ochotona princeps) found in Alberta Canada — The American ***pika*** (Ochotona princeps)

🐺 Common Predatory Animal Types (Land & Sea)

These animals are found across various ecosystems:

Canines – Dogs, Wolves, Foxes, Coyotes
Felines – Cats, Cougars, Bobcats, Lynx
Bears – Black, Brown, Kodiak, Grizzly
Reptiles – Snakes (venomous & non-venomous)
Marine Life – Jellyfish, Stingrays, Sea Urchins

🐾 Behavioral Red Flags: Know the Signs

Land-Based Predators (Carnivores / Omnivores)

Growling, low stance, hissing, ground pawing
Stalking or “appearing” nearby multiple times
Following at a distance or hiding in brush

These are signs of stress, fear—or predatory behavior.

Land-Based Prey (Herbivores)

Hoof stamping, snorting, rearing up, charging
Protective behavior toward young
Spitting (llamas, camels) or loud warning calls

Remember: A cornered deer can hurt you worse than a coyote if it perceives you as a threat.

🚨 Prevention Tips (In the Wild)

Be Loud – Clapping, talking, or whistling lets animals know you’re nearby.
Be Seen – Wear high-visibility colors. Avoid blending into the terrain.
Don’t Lure – Avoid carrying food on your person. Use wildlife-safe containers.
Mind Your Pets – Small pets may be viewed as prey by eagles, coyotes, or wolves.
Respect Collared Animals – These are often nuisance animals under surveillance.
Consult Local Authorities – Before hiking or camping, check local wildlife notices.

🧪 Marine Life Stings

Signs to Watch For:

Pain, rash, redness, swelling, or welts
History of ocean or lake swimming

First Aid:

Use gloves to remove visible tentacles or fragments.
Rinse with vinegar (at least 30 seconds).
- If unavailable, apply a paste of baking soda + water. Leave on for 20 minutes.
Immerse the affected area in hot water (as hot as tolerable) for 20 minutes.
Gently shave or scrape the area to remove microscopic stingers.
Apply a cold compress to reduce inflammation.
Always seek medical care to rule out anaphylaxis or toxic exposure.

Do NOT rub the area. It can trigger more venom release.

Snakes of Alberta Canada. — Curtesy of the Alberta Royal Museum

🐍 Snake Bites: What Nurses Need to Know

Common Symptoms:

Two puncture wounds, burning, intense localized pain
Swelling, redness, or clear discharge
Skin blanching or discoloration around bite site
- Snakes of Alberta

What to Do:

Keep the affected limb still and lower than the heart.
Remove any jewelry or constrictive clothing near the site.
Call 911 immediately and describe the snake if safely possible.
Monitor skin temperature and cap refill beyond the bite.
Record the time of the bite and report it to EMS.

🚫 Myth-Busting Snake Bite Myths:

❌ Don’t apply ice
❌ Don’t suck out venom
❌ Don’t cut the wound
❌ Don’t use a tourniquet
❌ Never urinate on the wound (seriously, don’t)
- Urinating on a wound was originally a gag "joke" from the Hollywood Sitcom "Friends". THEY MADE IT UP! - If you do this, it will most likely psychological traumatize the individual more than the sting.

🐾 Animal Bites: Basic First Aid Response

Scene Safety First – Don’t become a second victim.
Check ABCs – Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Wear gloves if available.
Call 911 – Especially if:
- The bite is from a wild animal
- There’s serious bleeding or exposed tissue
- The patient is allergic or unresponsive

DO:

Move the person away from the animal if it's safe.
Never try to capture the animal.
- Use your Cell Phone and take a picture of it if you are safe to do so for identification.
Wash minor wounds with soap and water, apply a dressing.
Seek a doctor’s care for rabies, tetanus, or infection risk.
Support the victim psychologically—animal attacks are traumatic.

Pro Tip: All animal bites—even “just a scratch”—can become infected. Document thoroughly, and educate on signs of sepsis or cellulitis.

🛏️ While You Wait: Recovery Position Review

If the victim is unconscious but breathing:

Raise their far arm overhead.
Cross their near arm over the chest.
Bend their near leg at the knee.
Support their head, neck, and spine as you roll them.
Secure the position using their knee and elbow for support.
Recheck airway and breathing.

Use only if there's no suspected spinal injury. Otherwise, wait for EMS guidance.

💬 Just Remember:

“Protect Yourself. Call 911. Don’t Waste Time.”

Whether you’re on a hike, working remote, or dealing with a patient who got a little too close to a raccoon, your calm approach and proper knowledge can be life-saving.

💡 Ready to Get Certified?

Be prepared. Be confident. Learn First Aid Today & Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd. Now enrolling: Basic Life Support (BLS) & Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED courses designed for healthcare professionals.

📍 Training for First-Year Nursing Students

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