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Photos courtesy of Jim Prive of Manchester, NH
Poisonings due to spider bites are rare in Northern New England. Neither the black widow nor the brown recluse spider are native to our states. Sometimes these spiders are brought in with produce, on a truck, in a car or in boxes after people visit or move here from other parts of the country. If you think that you see one of these spiders, call the Poison Center for advice.
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 Brown Recluse
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Many believe that they have been bitten by a brown recluse spider when an open sore develops on their skin. No one can identify a brown recluse spider bite based on the appearance of the bite area without seeing the actual biter. If you live in Northern New England, it is unlikely that such a sore is due to a brown recluse spider. Insect bites, infections, burns, trauma, drug reactions or another medical problem may be the cause. If you have such a bite, consult the Poison Center or your physician.
Snakes
Timber rattlesnakes may live in New Hampshire and Vermont. It is very unlikely, but possible, that copperheads may be found in Vermont. Reportedly, there are not any poisonous snakes in Maine. Call the Poison Center in case of a snake bite, even if you live in Maine. As with spiders, it is possible that snakes could travel to Northern New England as stowaways on vehicles from other states.
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Some individuals buy exotic poisonous snakes, such as cobras. If a bite occurs, it may be difficult to quickly locate the appropriate antivenom to treat the victim. It is important to contact the Poison Center immediately if you are bitten by an exotic snake.
Snakes of New Hampshire
There are 11 species of snake that are native to New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish & Game maintains a database of all reptile and amphibian reports through its Reptile and Amphibian Reporting Program (RAARP). To help idenify species, information and photographs were compiled for all of New Hampshire's native snakes. Find more at the New Hampshire Fish & Game site
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