To:

From:
Subject:
Date:

Dr. Nogay
Omar Correa, Enna Diaz, Henry Lopez, Katelyn Williamson
Snakes
9/26/14

Dear Dr. Nogay,

The document on page 101 about snakes is somewhat effective. The author provided good
information in an organized fashion; however there were errors. In the first paragraph,
there was no distinction between the information about the three different snakes
discussed. It also included information that could be listed in the Tips for Avoiding Snake
Bites section and be more effective. In the second section, there wasnt enough
information to justify having a separate section. There was also unnecessary information
not relating to the title. The final section seemed to be a poorly written instructions of how
to treat a snake bite victim. There were some instruction but it was mainly other
information that was not needed. The pictures used were not really useful since they were
not labeled so the reader could identify what was shown. The document also lacked an
introduction.

The changes that were made to the document are as follows:

Move Snakes to the main title

The first subheading is changed to Snakes in Texas
Tips for Avoiding Snake Bites will be changed to a table listing dos and donts
Treating Snake Bites will be formatted as instructions on how to treat a snake bite
victim
Pictures will be labeled
An introduction will be added to the document.

Snakes in Texas
Introduction
There are 15 species of poisonous snakes in Texas including: Coral, Cottonmouth, and
Rattlesnake. They can be found throughout the state and should be treated with caution.
This document provides information on these snakes, how to avoid getting bitten, as well
as how to treat a snake bite victim.

Rattlesnakes
Snakes are a fact of life in Texas, so you need to be careful.
When most people think about snakes in Texas, they think
about rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes are easily recognized by the
distinct rattling sound they make. They will bite if provoked,
but generally arent aggressive. (Figure 1.1)
Figure 1.1: Rattle Snake

Coral snakes

Figure 1.2: Coral Snake

Although rattlesnakes seem to be the most dangerous, coral

snakes are the only poisonous snake native to Texas. Coral
snakes are small, shy, and blend into leaf-covered areas, so
spotting a coral snake can be difficult. Coral snakes are not
aggressive, but will bite if stepped on. (Figure 1.2)

Cottonmouth snakes

Figure 1.3: Cottonmouth

Unlike most snakes, cottonmouths are aggressive and will

attack, even from underwater. However, cottonmouths will
stand their ground when they feel threatened. By coiling
up and exposing their white lined mouth and fangs,
cottonmouths give intruders an unmistakable warning.
(Figure 1.3)

Tips for Avoiding Snake Bites

DO
Be careful when moving dead logs
Wear knee high boots and heavy leather
gloves
Use a long stick to tap the ground ahead of
you
Get to higher ground if you see a snake in
water

DO NOT
Try to capture the snake
Provoke the snake
Sleep on bare ground while camping
Go in to known snake populated areas
unprepared

Instructions for Treating a Snake Bite

1. Keep the person calm. Restrict movement so that the venom can stay below the heart
level.
NOTE: As soon as the person is bitten someone should be calling 911
2. Gently cleanse the wound with soap and water. If you are stranded in the wilderness,
use hand sanitizer or alcohol
3. Remove any constricting jewelry or clothing, the area where bitten will swell and the
constricting items will cause tissue death
4. Wrap the limb with an elastic pressure bandage. Start from the point closest to the
heart and wrap towards the fingers or toes. Continue to keep the bite lower than the
heart to reduce venom flow
5. Do not cut or suck the venom from wound, it could make the situation worse.
6. Be aware of the victims vital signs while you wait for help. Check pulse, temperature,
and breathing rate.

Works Cited
Author Kathryn Raign, and Author Heather Huggett. (2014.). Writing for Results: An
Introduction to Writing in the Real World of Science and Technology, (2nd edition).
Chapter 6 Presenting Information Visually (pgs 87-104). Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt
Publishing Company
Author, N.C Cooperative Extension. (n.d.). Avoiding Snake bites. Retrieved from
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/avoidsnakebite.htm
Author, Centers for Disease Control (September 20, 2008). How to Prevent or Respond to a
Snake Bite: Disaster Recovery Fact Sheet. Retrieved from
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/snakebite.asp
Snake Bites (January 1, 2014). In A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved from
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000031.htm
"Cottonmouth." Cottonmouth Fact Sheet - National Zoo | FONZ. Smithsonian Institute. Web. 22 Sept.
2014. <http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Cottonmouth.cfm>.
Brouhard, Rod. "How to Prevent and Treat Snake Bites." Web.
<http://firstaid.about.com/od/bitesstings/ht/06_snakebites.htm>.
"Snake Bites." MedlinePlus. MedlinePlus. Web.
<http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000031.htm>.
"Snake Bite First Aid." NC State University A&T State University. Web.
<http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/snakebitetx.htm>.