StoSoutdoors

Pit Viper
The pit viper has “pits,” on their heads. These organs help the snake locate prey and adjust the amount of venom used according to the size of their prey. The glands, or venom sacks are connected to the fangs, which act like hollow hypodermic needles. These fangs are voluntarily controlled by the snake. They can raise either one or both fangs, or neither. When fangs break off, there is usually another fang below, or there may be one next to it. Therefore, snakebites can present as one puncture wound, two, three or even four (see photo of timber rattlesnake for example of multiple fangs).
The pit viper can strike about 50% of its body length, and has been recorded to strike at about 7 feet per second. The forked tongue is equivalent to our nose. The snake senses chemicals in the air with their tongue, aiding in the location of prey. Their pupils are elliptical, and all pit vipers in the United States have elliptical pupils, as opposed to non-venomous snakes which have round pupils.
The age of a rattlesnake cannot be determined by the number of rattles. Rattles frequently break off, and therefore is an unreliable method to determine age.
  DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE  This snake is best noted for its distinct alternating black and white rings on its tail, just above the rattle. A light stripe behind the eye reaches the lip in the front corner of the mouth. The diamond shaped pattern is not clear cut and distinct. The snake may appear speckled. The diamondback is responsible for most of the poisonous snake bites. It is a large aggressive pit viper that can exceed 6 feet in length.
  WATER MOCCASIN A large heavy, semi-aquatic snake being one of the deadliest in North America. The head of the cottonmouth is a large, flat and triangular in shape. There are great variations in the coloring of this snake. It is usually dark brown with 10 to 15 irregularly edged cross bands. Some specimens have well defined cross bands while others show no regular patterns. Other color variations are from black to olive green. The underside of the snake is lighter on the top. Juvenile forms are vividly marked with dark brown bands edged in white with a gray background or body. The inside of its mouth is snow white, thus its name is derived.
  Coral Snake Bite
Coral snake venom is different than pit viper venom.  It is thought that adult coral snakes carry enough venom to kill 4-5 adults. The coral snake venom is primarily a neurotoxin. Fang marks are rarely seen. Swelling is rare. Symptoms may not occur until 10-14 hours later. Symptoms may begin as nausea, vomiting and sweating. Neurological symptoms may include lethargy, difficulty speaking, hard to swallow, drooping eyelids, and in severe cases, respiratory depression or arrest.

  Snakebite Treatment for Pit Vipers
General support/reassurance; keep the victim calm; move the individual away from the snake, if possible; do not try to kill the snake—two people being bitten is worse and you cannot aid the first victim (note: amputated snake heads can still bite as a reflex).
Minimize all activity.
All jewelry, rings, bracelets and watches should be removed immediately.
Do not incise the wound as this causes more tissue damage.
Do not use electrical shock at the bite site as that has been shown not to work.
Sawyer extractor kits are controversial. Studies on pigs have shown little to no effect, while others recommend to only use the suction device if you can reach the victim in the first 3 minutes.
Do not suction with your mouth as the bacterial in your mouth will most likely cause more harm.
Apply cool compresses, not ice.
The Australian wrap method has proven benefit. Please see diagram. Do not wrap too tightly, but similar to wrapping a sprain.
Splint is very important. Immobilize the extremity, maintain the extremity at heart level, do not elevate above heart level.
Do not use Anti-venom in the outdoors. Many have anaphylactic type reactions from the anti-venom.
Transport, transport, transport.
Call ahead if possible to the ER. Many emergency rooms do not stock anti-venom and they may need to fly anti-venom in.
Anti-venom is very, very expensive. When traveling into the outdoors for an extended period of time, check into search and rescue insurance. Many times anti-venom is covered. It is as cheap as $12-20 for a weekend, and is well worth it if something unfortunate should occur.
Preventing snake bites:
Some bites, such as those inflicted when you accidentally step on a snake in the woods, are nearly impossible to prevent. However, there are precautions that can reduce your chances of being bitten by a snake, including the following:

Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get too close to it.
Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots and remain on hiking paths as much as possible.
Keep hands and feet out of areas you cannot see. Do not pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake's striking distance.
Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.