A routine visit to the post office turned into a medical emergency when a woman was bitten by a venomous snake outside the U.S. Post Office in Cowarts, Alabama, earlier this May.
The incident involved a cottonmouth snake, also known as a water moccasin — one of the most venomous snakes commonly found across the southeastern United States. The woman was reportedly bitten just outside the postal facility, which is located in Cowarts, a small town roughly six miles east of Dothan in Houston County.
What Happened?
While exact details of how the bite occurred haven’t been officially disclosed, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) confirmed the snake bite incident after being contacted by WTVY News. This confirmation came during a separate inquiry regarding another snake-related event, bringing the case to public attention.
Following the bite, a relative of the woman posted on Facebook, explaining that she was rushed to a hospital where she received antivenom treatment. Fortunately, she was released after receiving proper medical care and is expected to recover fully.
Local officials acknowledged the incident but did not comment on whether the area around the post office had been inspected or cleared for potential additional threats.
A Rare but Serious Risk
Cottonmouths are venomous pit vipers found primarily in wetland areas and around bodies of water in the southeastern U.S. While their bites are rarely fatal, they can cause severe tissue damage, swelling, and infection if not treated immediately. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 7,000 and 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes each year in the United States, but fatalities average only about five annually thanks to prompt medical attention and antivenom availability.
The bite in Cowarts serves as a reminder that venomous snakes can show up in unexpected places, especially during warmer months when they are more active.
Postal Service Response
The USPS did not issue a formal public statement beyond confirming the incident but is believed to be reviewing safety measures around its properties. While it’s uncommon for snakes to be found near urban structures like post offices, their appearance in southern towns like Cowarts — where natural habitats mix with developed land is not unheard of.
The U.S. Postal Service encourages employees and customers to be cautious and alert in outdoor areas, particularly in regions where wildlife is known to be active.
For safety guidance on avoiding snake bites, the U.S. Forest Service provides tips such as:
- Watching where you step, especially in grassy or wooded areas
- Wearing boots and long pants if walking in overgrown areas
- Never trying to handle or provoke snakes
Community Concerns and Reactions
Locals expressed concern on social media after hearing about the bite. While some were shocked that such an incident happened near a public service building, others noted that cottonmouth sightings are not unusual in the region, particularly during spring and summer.
“This time of year, snakes come out more often,” one local wrote. “It’s scary that it happened at the post office, but that’s Alabama for you.”
There’s no word yet on whether the postal facility will implement additional safety protocols or snake control measures following the bite.
The Cowarts snake bite incident is a stark reminder that even seemingly safe places like a post office can hold unexpected dangers, especially in regions where wildlife roams close to human activity. Thanks to quick medical intervention, the woman is now recovering, but the story has sparked new conversations around local safety and awareness not just in Alabama, but across the southeastern U.S.
