CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Experts in our state say they’re getting more calls this year from people who have been bitten by a common North Carolina venomous snake. But not all bites are created equal. 

Choc Thompson is an avid hiker loves to document her adventures. Since being out of work due to the pandemic, hiking has become her thing. One of her favorite things about hiking is the wildlife, especially the occasional snake sitings. 

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“They’re beautiful. They’re some beautiful creatures, especially the black one with the orange ring around its neck. They’re in their natural habitat,” she said.

North Carolina Poison Control experts say so far, 375 people have been bitten by snakes this year. That’s 40 more people than this time last year. 

“People are getting bitten because they’re in their yard, they’re doing yard work and now that they’re moving around more, they’re running into snakes,” NCPC Medical Director Michael Beuhler said.

The most common in North Carolina is the copperhead snake, and they’re venomous.

“You couldn’t really see it because it was right by the leaves, and it's tan and brown and it has little Hershey kiss patches on them,” Thompson said.

Dr. Beuhler says the amount of venom a copperhead releases when biting someone depends on how threatened it feels. He says the best things to do if you start swelling from a venomous snake bite is to seek medical attention.

But he doesn't want you to be alarmed, because more people die of bee stings in the United States every year.