The Mayor of Monroe, North Carolina, Robert Burns, has spoken out following a harrowing incident in which his wife, Lauren, was bitten by a copperhead snake in their own backyard. The event unfolded on the evening of April 30, leading to a frantic rush to the local emergency room.
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Describing the ordeal through a social media post, Mayor Burns revealed that Lauren was bitten while she was walking through a wooded area on their property. During a phone call with her husband, she suddenly exclaimed, “Babe, it’s not good, this is not good.” Concerned, Burns rushed outside, only to find his wife in distress, with visible injuries to her left ankle. Upon closer inspection, he saw two bleeding puncture wounds, and just a few feet away, a four-foot copperhead snake.
Copperhead snakes, notorious for their quick and unexpected strikes, are common in North Carolina. While bites from these snakes are rarely fatal, they can cause severe pain and tissue damage. According to medical sources, copperheads are responsible for a significant portion of snake bites across the United States, primarily due to their stealthy nature and tendency to strike without much warning.
Once at the ER, Lauren’s condition appeared serious, with doctors noting significant swelling in her leg. Mayor Burns recounted that the medical team suspected she might require anti-venom treatment; however, her condition stabilized, and she was eventually sent home. Despite this, the mayor expressed concern as his wife remains in considerable pain, stating, “I’ve not seen her in this consistent amount of pain before.”
In his commentary, Burns drew upon both personal experience and the gravity of the situation, noting that they have had six children together and he has witnessed her endure kidney stones, but none of those moments compared to her current suffering. “She is in excruciating pain right now,” he added, highlighting the seriousness of snake bites and the need for prompt medical attention.
In light of the incident, the mayor urged the community to take all snake bites seriously. He recommended seeking immediate medical care, especially since the effects of a snake bite can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the individual’s health and the type of snake involved. “You don’t really know, especially if you don’t get eyes on it,” he cautioned.
Burns took the opportunity to express gratitude for the outpouring of support from their community. He acknowledged the barrage of prayers, messages, and well wishes from friends, family, and constituents. “We truly cherish your prayers and are grateful for all the support, texts, calls, emails, and well wishes. We love y’all. Keep praying. God bless,” he wrote.
As the family navigates this challenging time, Mayor Burns hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of snake bites while also sharing their story as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters, even in one’s own backyard. The family is now focused on Lauren’s recovery, hoping for a swift return to health following this alarming incident.
In the aftermath, the story has resonated with many in the community, serving as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the strength of family support during difficult times. Mayor Burns’ experience shines a light on the importance of vigilance and rapid action in response to wildlife-related injuries, a reality that many rural residents face.