What are the neurological effects of venomous bites and stings. How do snake, spider, and scorpion envenomings impact the nervous system. What are the potential long-term consequences of these encounters. How can proper management reduce neurological complications.

The Global Impact of Venomous Bites and Stings

Venomous bites and stings from snakes, spiders, and scorpions are a significant global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite their prevalence, these conditions are often classified as neglected diseases, receiving inadequate attention and resources. The neurological complications arising from these envenomings can vary widely depending on the specific animal involved and the toxic components of their venom.

Venoms can directly impact various body systems, including:

• The central nervous system
• Neuromuscular transmission
• The cardiovascular system
• The coagulation cascade

Understanding these effects is crucial for proper treatment and prevention of long-term neurological damage.

Snake Bite Envenoming: Strokes and Muscle Paralysis

Snake bite envenoming can lead to severe neurological complications, with the two most prominent being strokes and muscle paralysis. The specific effects often depend on the snake species involved.

Viper and Colubrid Venom: Anticoagulant and Procoagulant Activity

Vipers and colubrids possess venom rich in metalloproteinases and other substances that can dramatically affect blood coagulation. These components may have either anticoagulant or procoagulant properties, potentially leading to:

• Ischemic strokes: Caused by blood clots obstructing blood flow to the brain
• Hemorrhagic strokes: Resulting from uncontrolled bleeding in the brain

Can snake venom cause long-term neurological damage. Yes, the effects of snake venom on the coagulation system can lead to strokes, which may result in permanent neurological deficits depending on the severity and location of the brain damage.

Elapid Venom: Neuromuscular Effects

Elapid snakes, which include cobras and mambas, have venom rich in neurotoxins. These toxins primarily affect neuromuscular transmission, leading to muscle weakness or paralysis. The neurotoxins can act at two levels:

1. Presynaptic: Interfering with the release of neurotransmitters
2. Postsynaptic: Blocking the receptors for neurotransmitters

What are the potential long-term effects of elapid envenoming. In severe cases, prolonged muscle paralysis can lead to respiratory failure. If not treated promptly, this can result in brain damage due to lack of oxygen, potentially causing lasting neurological impairments.

Scorpion Sting Envenoming: Cardiovascular and Neurological Impacts

Scorpion sting envenoming presents a complex clinical picture, often dominated by muscle weakness accompanied by various cardiovascular complications. The primary effects include:

• Arterial hypertension
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Myocarditis
• Pulmonary edema

These manifestations occur through two primary mechanisms:

1. Release of catecholamines into the bloodstream
2. Direct cardiac toxicity of the venom

Cerebrovascular Complications of Scorpion Stings

Cerebrovascular complications have been reported specifically after the sting of the Indian red scorpion. These can manifest as:

• Intracranial hemorrhages: Occurring due to acute increases in arterial blood pressure related to sympathetic overstimulation
• Cerebral infarctions: Resulting from various mechanisms including cerebral hypoperfusion, consumption coagulopathy, vasculitis, or cardiogenic brain embolism

How can scorpion stings lead to long-term neurological effects. The cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications of scorpion stings can potentially cause lasting damage to the brain. Strokes resulting from these complications may lead to permanent neurological deficits, depending on the affected brain areas.

Spider Bite Envenoming: Three Main Syndromes

Spider bite envenoming typically results in one of three main syndromes, each with its own set of neurological complications:

1. Latrodectism

Latrodectism is caused by the bite of widow spiders (genus Latrodectus). The venom contains potent neurotoxins that can lead to a range of neurological symptoms:

• Headache
• Lethargy
• Irritability
• Myalgia (muscle pain)
• Tremor
• Fasciculation (muscle twitching)
• Ataxia (loss of muscle control)

What are the potential long-term effects of latrodectism. While most cases of latrodectism resolve without permanent damage, severe cases can potentially lead to lasting neurological symptoms, particularly if treatment is delayed.

2. Loxoscelism

Loxoscelism results from envenoming by spiders of the family Sicariidae, which includes recluse spiders. The most severe neurological complication of loxoscelism is stroke, which can occur due to a severe coagulopathy induced by the venom.

Can loxoscelism cause permanent neurological damage. Yes, if a stroke occurs as a result of loxoscelism, it can potentially lead to permanent neurological deficits, depending on the location and extent of the brain damage.

3. Funnel-Web Spider Envenoming

The venom of funnel-web spiders contains neurotoxins that stimulate neurotransmitter release. This can result in:

• Sensory disturbances
• Muscle paralysis

How serious is funnel-web spider envenoming. Funnel-web spider bites can be potentially fatal if left untreated, primarily due to the risk of respiratory failure from muscle paralysis. However, with prompt treatment, including antivenom administration, most patients recover without long-term effects.

Management and Prevention of Neurological Complications

Proper management of envenomed patients is crucial for reducing the risk of neurological complications and improving long-term outcomes. Key aspects of management include:

1. Prompt transport to the hospital
2. Correction of hemostatic disorders
3. Ventilatory support when necessary
4. Administration of appropriate antivenom

These interventions can significantly reduce mortality rates and improve the functional outcomes of survivors.

Why is rapid treatment crucial in cases of venomous bites and stings. Quick intervention can prevent or mitigate the development of severe complications, including those affecting the nervous system. The sooner appropriate treatment is administered, the lower the risk of long-term neurological damage.

Antivenom Therapy: A Critical Component of Treatment

Antivenom therapy plays a crucial role in the management of venomous bites and stings. These biologics are specifically designed to neutralize the toxic components of venom, potentially preventing or reversing many of the harmful effects.

Types of Antivenom

Different types of antivenom are produced for various venomous creatures:

• Snake antivenoms: Often specific to certain species or groups of snakes
• Scorpion antivenoms: May be monovalent (for a single species) or polyvalent (for multiple species)
• Spider antivenoms: Available for some dangerous species, such as the Sydney funnel-web spider and redback spider

How does antivenom work to prevent neurological complications. Antivenom contains antibodies that bind to and neutralize venom components. By doing so, it can prevent or limit damage to the nervous system, reducing the risk of long-term neurological effects.

Timing of Antivenom Administration

The timing of antivenom administration is critical. Generally, the earlier it is given, the more effective it is in preventing complications. However, it can still be beneficial even if administered several hours after the envenoming event.

Is there a time limit for antivenom effectiveness. While earlier administration is generally more effective, there’s no strict cut-off time for antivenom use. Its effectiveness depends on various factors, including the type and amount of venom, the specific antivenom used, and the patient’s individual response.

Long-Term Monitoring and Rehabilitation

For patients who experience neurological complications from venomous bites or stings, long-term monitoring and rehabilitation may be necessary. This can include:

• Regular neurological assessments
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy (if speech or swallowing is affected)
• Psychological support

The specific rehabilitation needs will depend on the nature and extent of the neurological damage.

How long can rehabilitation take after a severe envenoming event. The duration of rehabilitation can vary widely, from weeks to months or even years, depending on the severity of the neurological complications and the individual’s response to therapy.

Prevention Strategies and Public Health Measures

Given the potential for severe neurological complications from venomous bites and stings, prevention is a crucial aspect of public health efforts in affected areas. Key prevention strategies include:

1. Public education about venomous creatures and how to avoid them
2. Habitat management to reduce human-animal encounters
3. Proper protective gear for those working in high-risk areas
4. Improved housing to prevent entry of venomous creatures
5. Community-based rapid response systems for envenoming events

What role does community education play in preventing envenoming events. Community education is crucial in reducing the incidence of bites and stings. It can teach people how to identify dangerous species, avoid risky behaviors, and respond appropriately if an envenoming occurs.

Global Initiatives

Several global initiatives are working to address the challenge of venomous bites and stings, including:

• The World Health Organization’s Snakebite Envenoming Strategy
• The Global Snakebite Initiative
• Various regional and national programs focused on specific venomous species

These initiatives aim to improve prevention, increase access to effective treatments, and reduce the global burden of envenoming-related morbidity and mortality.

How can global initiatives improve outcomes for envenoming victims. By focusing on research, improving access to antivenoms, enhancing healthcare provider training, and implementing effective prevention strategies, these initiatives can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of envenoming events, including their neurological complications.

Neurological effects of venomous bites and stings: snakes, spiders, and scorpions

Review

. 2013;114:349-68.

doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-53490-3.00028-5.

Oscar H Del Brutto 
¹

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ School of Medicine, Universidad Espiritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Department of Neurological Sciences, Hospital Clinica Kennedy, Guayaquil, Ecuador. Electronic address: [email protected].

• PMID:

  23829924

• DOI:

  10.1016/B978-0-444-53490-3.00028-5

Review

Oscar H Del Brutto.

Handb Clin Neurol.

2013.

. 2013;114:349-68.

doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-53490-3.00028-5.

Author

Oscar H Del Brutto 
¹

Affiliation

• ¹ School of Medicine, Universidad Espiritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Department of Neurological Sciences, Hospital Clinica Kennedy, Guayaquil, Ecuador. Electronic address: [email protected].

• PMID:

  23829924

• DOI:

  10.1016/B978-0-444-53490-3.00028-5

Abstract

Snake and spider bites, as well as scorpion sting envenoming, are neglected diseases affecting millions of people all over the world. Neurological complications vary according to the offending animal, and are often directly related to toxic effects of the venom, affecting the central nervous system, the neuromuscular transmission, the cardiovascular system, or the coagulation cascade. Snake bite envenoming may result in stroke or muscle paralysis. Metalloproteinases and other substances (common in vipers and colubrids) have anticoagulant or procoagulant activity, and may induce ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes. The venom of elapids is rich in neurotoxins affecting the neuromuscular transmission at either presynaptic or postsynaptic levels. The clinical picture of scorpion sting envenoming is dominated by muscle weakness associated with arterial hypertension, cardiac arrythmias, myocarditis, or pulmonary edema. These manifestations occur as the result of release of catecholamines into the bloodstream or due to direct cardiac toxicity of the venom. Cerebrovascular complications have been reported after the sting of the Indian red scorpion. Intracranial hemorrhages occur in the setting of acute increases in arterial blood pressure related to sympathetic overstimulation, and cerebral infarctions are related to either cerebral hypoperfusion, consumption coagulopathy, vasculitis, or cardiogenic brain embolism. Three main syndromes result from spider bite envenoming: latrodectism, loxoscelism, and funnel-web spider envenoming. Latrodectism is related to neurotoxins present in the venom of widow spiders. Most cases present with headache, lethargy, irritability, myalgia, tremor, fasciculation, or ataxia. Loxoscelism is caused by envenoming by spiders of the family Sicariidae. It may present with a stroke due to a severe coagulopathy. The venom of funnel-web spiders also has neurotoxins that stimulate neurotransmitter release, resulting in sensory disturbances and muscle paralysis. Proper management of the envenomed patient, including prompt transport to the hospital, correction of the hemostatic disorder, ventilatory support, and administration of antivenom, significantly reduce the risk of neurological complications which, in turn, reduce the mortality and improve the functional outcome of survivors.

Keywords:

animal toxins; envenoming; scorpions; snake bite; snakes; spiders; stings.

Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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When to Worry About a Spider Bite and When to Get Treatment

Spider bites are common, and most do not require any medical treatment. However, the bite of the black widow and brown recluse, two species found in the United States, can cause harmful symptoms.

Additionally, you may be allergic to a certain spider’s venom and experience serious side effects from the bite.

Other types of spider bites can be treated at home and symptoms should subside after 1 to 2 days.

Lingering or worsening symptoms may be a sign of infection and require the care of a doctor.

Generally, a spider bite will not require medical care. But there are a few reasons you may need to get immediate medical treatment for a spider bite.

Medical emergency

Call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room if:

• you suspect or know a black widow or brown recluse spider bit you
• you have an allergic reaction to a spider’s venom (see below)
• your symptoms get worse over time

If you know you were bitten by a venomous spider

Visit an emergency room or urgent care clinic immediately after a black widow or brown recluse bite to treat symptoms right away.

If you can capture the spider, bring it to the hospital in a container. This will help the doctor identify the type of spider and treat your bite.

If you know you are allergic to spider venom or have a serious reaction

You may experience an allergic reaction after a spider bite, regardless of the type of spider that bit you. Symptoms of an allergic or severe reaction to a bite include:

• trouble breathing
• loss of consciousness
• severe swelling or itchiness at the bite site or in your throat or eyes
• fast heart rate

These symptoms may be signs of anaphylaxis, where your entire body reacts to the allergen. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment.

If your bite has gotten worse

Keep an eye on any area of skin where you suspect a spider bite. Symptoms that get worse over time may indicate that you were bitten by a venomous spider or that the bite is infected.

Worsening symptoms include:

• fever
• pain near the bite after 1 to 2 days
• enlarged wound site
• redness streaking from the bite
• muscle cramps
• blistering
• flu-like symptoms

In many cases, you can treat a spider bite at home. You may experience mild symptoms for 1 to 2 days. Bites that itch or are infected may require more treatment and a consultation from a doctor.

Clean the bite area

Wash the bite area with soap and water. Keep the area clean while it heals to reduce the chance of infection.

Apply ice

Apply ice to the bite for 10 minutes at a time. Wrap the ice in a cloth to avoid too much cold exposure. Elevate the area while you ice it if the bite is on a leg or arm.

Medical treatment for a spider bite depends on your symptoms and the type of spider bite. Mild symptoms that linger could require over-the-counter medications. Symptoms that are moderate or severe may require prescription medication or supervised care.

Antibiotic ointments

Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments may help an infected bite. Follow the directions on the medication’s packaging and cover the bite with a bandage after using the ointment. Your doctor may prescribe a more powerful topical application, if needed.

Antihistamines

You may need an over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine to relieve itching and swelling from the spider bite. Follow the directions on the packaging.

Pain relievers

Pain relievers may be needed to calm pain from spider bites. Over-the-counter options include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Antibiotics

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have a brown recluse spider bite or if your spider bite becomes infected.

Benzodiazepines and opioids

Black widow bites may require more aggressive medication.

Intravenous administration of benzodiazepines or cyclobenzaprine may be used to treat the muscle cramps and pain caused by black widow venom, according to the journal U.S. Pharmacist. Opioids may also be used in the short term because long-term use can increase the risk of dependence.

Antivenin

If you have severe symptoms following a black widow bite, your doctor will administer an antivenin intravenously. There is no antivenin for brown recluse bites.

The most dangerous spiders in the United States are the black widow and brown recluse. Other spider bites could result in a reaction if you are allergic to their venom.

Black widow

Share on PinterestBlack widows are shiny black with a prominent reddish orange hourglass shape on their body. Their venom is very dangerous and affects the body’s nervous system. Immediate effects of a black widow bite are burning, stinging, severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. spotwin/Istock

Black widows are black or brown with a red hourglass shape on the top of their body. They can also be black with red legs. You may see two puncture marks where the black widow bit you.

Black widow venom will affect your nerve tissue. The bites are immediately painful. You’ll also notice swelling right away. Your muscles will begin to cramp after an hour or more, including in your chest or abdomen. Other symptoms include:

• hypertension
• vomiting
• numbness
• difficulty breathing
• fever

Black widows live in the Southern and Western states. You may find them in dark, secluded areas like wood piles, corners of a structure, and debris piles.

Brown recluse

Share on PinterestThe brown recluse is brown in color with distinct six eyes in pairs of two. Many brown recluse spiders have prominent violin pattern markings on the body. Bites from the brown recluse are rare but characteristically cause skin necrosis along with mild systemic effects. Its venom is rarely fatal. PeteMuller/Getty Images

Brown recluse spiders are brown and have a marking on their head that looks like a violin.

Brown recluse spider venom can kill skin tissue and cause scarring. Initially, you may feel minimal pain from the bite, but it will become more painful. Blisters will develop a few hours after the bite. After a few days, the skin will curve downward and appear blue. You may also experience flu-like symptoms like fever or vomiting.

You will find brown recluse spiders in the Central and Southern United States. They live outdoors and indoors.

Hobo spider

Share on PinterestHobo spiders are brown in color with prominent V-shaped markings along their abdomen. Their venom is not toxic or poisonous to humans. Freder/Getty Images

Some believe that hobo spider venom has similar skin-decaying effects to a brown recluse, but this is disputed. This is a large house spider with long legs that can run quickly.

Hobo spiders live in the Western United States.

Jumping spider

Share on PinterestJumping spiders are brown and black in color with prominent spines covering all their legs. They have the ability to jump several lengths with ease. Their venom is not dangerous to humans. By common human/shutterstock

This is a small indoor spider with a hairy body. It can jump and lives near windows. Bites are not harmful unless you are allergic to the venom.

Wolf spider

Share on PinterestWolf spiders are known for their camouflage ability and excellent eyesight. Their color is most similar to their habitat to blend in. A wolf spider bite delivers venom that’s not harmful to humans. Although the bite will result in red, itchy skin, it very rarely causes any skin necrosis. KevinDyer/Istock

Wolf spiders are brown like the recluse but do not have the ornamental violin shape on their heads. These spiders are not harmful to humans. You may encounter them indoors and can release them outside.

Tarantula

Share on PinterestTarantulas are large, black, and very hairy spiders. They’re not dangerous to humans. Their venom is relatively weak, but their bite is painful to the skin. It will feel similar to a bee sting. Freder/Istock

Tarantulas have venom, but it does not generally affect people unless you are allergic to it. You may feel a bit of stinging and have slight swelling following a bite. Follow first-aid guidelines and see a doctor if you have a tarantula bite.

Tarantulas live in the Southern and Southwestern United States.

Camel spider

Share on PinterestCamel spiders appear light colored with shades of brown, which allow them to live in desert habitats. They’re not venomous. quangpraha/Istock

These spiders hunt at night. They do not have venom, but their bites can hurt. Therefore, serious symptoms are minimal.

Most spider bites are harmless, and symptoms will go away after a few days. Seek immediate medical care if you suspect a black widow or brown recluse spider bite. If you have life threatening symptoms, the bite gets worse, or you have an allergic reaction, seek medical care right away.

What to do if bitten by a spider

Likbez

Health

July 25, 2021

The main thing is to understand whether it was poisonous.

You can listen to the article. If it’s more convenient for you, turn on the podcast.

Spiders that live in the middle latitudes in nature are usually harmless to humans. You need to be wary of poisonous species that live in warm regions or sometimes become pets.

How to tell which spider has bitten

Each of them has its own characteristics that will help the doctor understand what kind of help is needed. Here are the most dangerous spiders for humans.

Black Widow

This is a small arthropod. The size of the body together with the limbs is about 2.5 cm. The animal is black in color, there is a red spot in the form of an hourglass on the abdomen. In the south of Russia, a poisonous relative of the widow lives – karakurt. He also has a black body, but instead there will be red spots of arbitrary shape.

Photo: Jay Ondreicka / Shutterstock

After a bite, there are practically no marks left on the skin, only sometimes – redness and swelling. But these symptoms appear:

• painful muscle spasms for 8 hours;
• abdominal pain and muscle tension in the abdominal wall;
• nausea and vomiting;
• breathing problems;
• tremor and sweating.

Tarantula

This is a large spider, up to 10 cm long. All covered with coarse brown hairs.

Photo: bwagner99 / Shutterstock

If it bites a person, there will be signs of an allergic reaction:

• swelling at the site of the bite;
• labored breathing;
• pruritus and rash;
• swelling of the eyelids, lips and throat;
• palpitations;
• low blood pressure.

Yellow bag spider

Found in most of Europe, including Russia. The size of the female is 10–15 mm, and the male is 7.5–12 mm. The spider has a yellow or beige abdomen with a black stripe. After the bite, there is a strong burning pain. The most unpleasant sensations occur in the first 5–20 minutes, and after a couple of hours everything usually goes away. Sometimes there is swelling and redness at the site of the wound.

Photo: Rainer Fuhrmann / Shutterstock

Crosshead

It lives all over Europe. The length of the female is 6.5–20 mm, and that of the male is 5.5–13 mm. It is a brown spider with a cross-shaped belly spot.

Photo: Erik Karits / Shutterstock

Sometimes crosses bite. Swelling and redness may occur at the site of the wound. Other symptoms may appear and persist for up to several weeks:

• restlessness;
• nausea;
• headache;
• muscle spasms.

When to See a Doctor

You need medical attention if:

• You know or suspect you have been bitten by a venomous spider.
• The wound is very sore, enlarged or swollen.
• Abdominal cramps appeared.
• You have trouble breathing or swallowing.
• Redness or scarlet streaks in the wound area.

If an infection is suspected at the bite site, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. You may also be offered a tetanus shot. And with a bite from a black widow and the appearance of dangerous signs, an antidote will be administered.

What to do if there are no dangerous symptoms

Then you can deal with the problem yourself. To do this:

• Wash the bite with soap and water.
• Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
• Apply a cool damp cloth or ice to the wound for 10 minutes. Then remove and after 10 minutes repeat the procedure again.
• If the spider has bitten an arm or leg, raise the limb. So there will be no swelling.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

How to avoid being bitten by a spider

They only bite defensively. For example, if a person accidentally hooked a spider, waves his arms in front of him, or got into his territory. So it’s better to take measures not to run into these creatures.

• Learn what dangerous spiders look like and where they live.
• If you work or clean in the basement, garage, attic, wear long sleeves, tuck your trousers into your socks, wear gloves and a hat.
• Shake out gardening gloves and shoes.
• Apply repellent to clothing.
• Install protective nets on windows and doors, seal cracks to prevent spiders from entering the house.
• Use safe insecticides.
• Do not leave piles of stones or logs around the house where spiders can live.
• Don’t put your bed close to the wall so that the spider can’t crawl on you at night.
• Vacuum up arthropods and cobwebs, then shake into an airtight bag.
• If you notice a spider on your skin, don’t press it down, just shake it off.
• When cleaning the tarantula enclosure, use gloves, a surgical mask, and goggles.

Read also0024

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“Killer” spider: an expert spoke about the consequences of a karakurt bite

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RIA Novosti Crimea

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SIMFEROPOL, July 20 – RIA Novosti Crimea. Animals live in the Crimea, a meeting with which can result in very serious health consequences and, contrary to popular belief, these are not snakes, but spiders. About this RIA Novosti Crimea was told by an employee of the Karadag scientific station named after. T. I. Vyazemsky, herpetologist Oleg Kukushkin.

July 19, 2019, 20:22

Size does not matter: small but dangerous inhabitants of Crimea if in the Karadag region the karakurt is extremely rare, then on the flat Crimean coast – the Sivash region, in the region of Evpatoria and Tarkhankut or on the Kerch Peninsula, the population density is very high in places. There are areas where up to a hundred individuals can be found within an hour during a special search, “the scientist noted.

According to Kukushkin, karakurt venom is neurotoxic and quite dangerous for humans.

“The toxins contained in the poison of the karakurt paralyze the respiratory center in the medulla oblongata. This causes difficulty in breathing, the muscles tense up. All this is painful. The bite unsettles for a long time,” the expert emphasized.

In people with allergies, the consequences of encountering a spider can be even more serious. Nevertheless, as the scientist noted, no lethal cases have been described in the Crimea, in contrast to Central Asia, where the same species of karakurt lives.

A scientist advises Crimeans not to walk barefoot across the steppe, salt marshes, near salt lakes. It is there that meetings with karakurt usually take place. Spiders do not like to settle near human habitation.

“It is convenient for them to build their nets on various rubbish. Therefore, they live in unkempt pastures, dumps, in hoof marks left by cattle. For them, these are natural shelters. Even when the sun is high, some part of the trail is shaded, which saves the karakurt from overheating. They cover these holes with cobwebs,” the expert shared.

July 20, 2019, 12:48

Summer of snakes: the expert explained the reason for frequent encounters with reptiles in Crimea

According to him, you can recognize a poisonous spider by its black color, long legs and size. Karakurt is a rather large spider. The female can reach the size of a finger phalanx. The male is many times smaller. It has a rather cheerful coloring on the upper surface of the abdomen – white spots, and inside each of them there is also a small red dot. All young karakurts are painted like this. But then the females lose this coloration, while the males retain it. Adult females are black, like wax, without any patterns. But some of them have a white pattern on the lower surface of the abdomen, similar to an hourglass.

If the karakurt still got in your way, then you should not panic. The expert claims that the spider is not aggressive and can bite, as a rule, only if it is stepped on.