18 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2025 Issue 1 Watch for wildlife How to stay safe while enjoying time outdoors Southwest Louisiana is home to diverse wildlife, and although these animals are an important part of the ecosystem, encounters can sometimes lead to serious injuries. Being aware of how to prevent and treat wildlife-related injuries can help keep you safe in Louisiana’s outdoors. Stay informed and stay safe while enjoying Louisiana’s great outdoors. Knowing how to prevent and handle wildlife encounters can make all the difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Louisiana Department of Health; Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; Mayo Clinic; U.S. Department of Agriculture Feral hogs Feral hogs are an increasing problem in Louisiana, and while they generally avoid humans, they can become aggressive if threatened. Hogs are also known to carry diseases that can spread to humans. Experts recommend using high levels of precaution when field dressing or butchering feral hogs. Field dressing, butchering or consuming feral hog meat can result in swine brucellosis, pseudorabies, classical swine fever (hog cholera), tularemia, foot and mouth disease, and vesicular stomatitis. Safety tips: • When processing or consuming feral hog meat, always use rubber gloves and protective eyewear. • Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products when handling raw feral pork. • Refrigerate carcass/meat as soon as possible. • Cook meat to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Snakes Venomous snakes, such as cottonmouths (water moccasins), copperheads and rattlesnakes, are found across Louisiana. Snake bites can lead to severe pain; swelling; tissue damage; and, in rare cases, death, if left untreated. Louisiana is home to 47 native species of snakes, but only seven of those are venomous. Safety tips: • If you are bitten by a snake, seek medical attention as soon as possible to start antivenom. If you are able, have someone else drive you to the hospital to avoid further injuries if you become dizzy or pass out. • If possible, take a photo of the snake to aid in further treatment. • Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, suck out the venom, apply ice or submerge the wound in water for medical treatment. Alligators While they typically avoid humans, attacks can occur when alligators are provoked or feel threatened. Bites from these powerful animals can cause severe trauma, including fractures, deep lacerations and infections due to bacteria in their mouths. Safety tips: • In the unlikely event you are injured by an alligator, seek immediate medical attention. Apply pressure to stop bleeding, and keep the wound elevated. Avoid excessive washing of the wound to allow medical professionals to properly assess it. • If you see an alligator in the roadway or unexpected place, do not attempt to move it. To do so in the state of Louisiana is not only highly dangerous, but also illegal. • It is also recommended not to swim in swimming holes, lakes or ponds during dusk and dawn, when alligators are actively hunting for food. Common animal-related injuries in Louisiana
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