NC mayor thanks community after a 4-foot venomous copperhead bit his wife
Monroe Mayor Robert Burns thanked the community Friday after he said a venomous copperhead snake bit his wife, Lauren.
“Thank you all for your support and prayers,” Burns said on social media site X. “We cherish all the love. Keep praying!”
The mayor revealed the bite on social media Thursday. “Word has gotten out that my sweet wife was bitten by a large copperhead last night,” he said.
Burns said he rushed his wife to their local hospital emergency room, where staff “were absolutely amazing. They were responsive, kind, very helpful, and overall fantastic.”
He said his biggest concern was that his wife’s condition would worsen and that she’d have to take “the anti-venom, which carries its own risks, along with the potential for an extended stay.”
“Fortunately, things stabilized, her vitals were steady, and they sent us home,” Burns wrote. “We’re not out of the woods yet, though. She is in a lot of pain, probably more than I’ve ever seen her in.”
What to do if you see a copperhead
Copperheads are “the most common and widespread venomous snake in North Carolina,” according to the state Wildlife Resources Commission. “Because they are so widespread and tolerate living near people, copperheads account for probably over 90% of venomous snakebites” in the state.
Although a copperhead’s bite “is painful and should be treated as serious, it is not considered life threatening,” according to the commission.
People often don’t see the snakes because copperheads have “excellent camouflage,” commission officials said.
If you do spot one, stay away, leave it alone, officials advise.
Well wishes poured in, mayor said
Burns told Fox New Digital that he was grilling outside when his wife was bitten near a rope swing on their wooded property. The snake was about 4 feet long, he said.
On social media, Burns said he and his wife “truly cherish your prayers and are grateful for all the support, texts, calls, emails, and well wishes.
“We love y’all,” he said. “Keep praying. God bless.”
He also maintained his sense of humor despite the ordeal.
“I’m thinking I’m going to have to honor my wife with copperhead snake skin boots,” he said on X. “Anybody know where I can get some?”
This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 10:37 AM with the headline "NC mayor thanks community after a 4-foot venomous copperhead bit his wife."