Girl Bitten by Copperhead Snake at Hoover Park

While visiting grandparents, a little 6 year-old girl from Tennessee was bitten on the foot by a venomous copperhead snake.  The incident happened around 5:30pm on Friday (8/1) about 1/2 mile into a wooded walking trail at Veterans Park in Hoover. Local firefighters were able to find the snake to verify.

The girl, Sarah Miller, has been released from Children's Hospital and resting at home following five anti-venom doses.  Rusty Lower, the Hoover Fire Departement Executive Officer share details with AL.com.

In addition to the anti-venom doses, doctors continually checked Sarah's blood levels and focused on protecting her kidneys by keeping fluids going in her body. Sarah's mother reported the swelling was subsiding and said she was close to being able to put weight on the foot.

There are approximately 42 species of snakes in Alabama, of which just 6 are venomous. The most commonly encountered poisonous snake is the copperhead, as reported by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Snakes are said to be good for the ecosystem, but you're probably like me, not a fan.

Children's Hospital of Alabama shares these safety tips for the initial first aid treatment for snake bites:

No Tourniquet
No Ice
No Cutting
Remove Rings & Constrictive Items
Immobilize Extremity
Keep Patient Calm & Warm
Transport to Emergency Deptartment ASAP

Call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. The poison specialist can determine if further treatment is needed.