Robert Burns, mayor of Monroe near Charlotte, said his wife was bitten on the left ankle on 29 April near a rope swing on their property.
She was rushed to the emergency room, monitored for hours as swelling spread up her leg, then discharged home after her vitals stabilised; the family declined antivenom because of potential risks.
Burns said she remains in excruciating pain while recovering in bed. North Carolina officials say copperheads are the state's most common venomous snake and cause more than 90% of venomous bites.
Traditional snakebite first aid can be deadly. What is the one crucial step to take immediately after a bite?
When is refusing potentially life-saving snakebite anti-venom the medically correct choice?
As suburbs expand, what are the most effective ways for families to prevent venomous snake encounters in their yards?