The Attleboro Fire Department is alerting residents after a venomous snake was reported to have bitten three dogs in the area.

The snake, believed to be a copperhead, was seen near Ten Mile River and Milk Street in Attleboro.

The owner of one of the dogs says his two-year-old Labradoodle, Murph, died after he was bitten by the snake.

In late April, Murph’s owner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, says he heard the dog yelp loudly and later saw him run out of the woods.

“And then after five minutes, he was lackadaisical, tired,” he said.

Minutes after the bite, a wound on Murph’s leg started growing and he was quickly rushed to a veterinarian, but he couldn’t be saved.

“Shows we never speak in absolutes, but the likelihood of a copperhead or timber rattlesnake in that area is unlikely,” said Mack Ralbovsky, the vice president of Beverly-based Rainforest Reptile Shows.

Ralbovsky says finding a copperhead in a city like Attleboro would be unusual, and inflicting a fatal wound would be rare.

“For copperheads – it’s considered a mild venom. But mild venom is still venom; every individual reacts differently,” Ralbovsky said.

It’s a threat Murph’s family never expected, just steps from their home, in a place their dog loved.

“It’s something you hear about in Texas, Louisiana, but you don’t hear about that here,” Murph’s owner said.

Attleboro Fire said that copperhead snakes are not commonly seen in the area and are advising residents to remain cautious.

The following guidance was issued for anyone bitten by a copperhead snake:

• Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. Even if symptoms appear mild, prompt medical attention is critical.
• Remain calm and keep the affected limb still and above heart level.
• Remove rings, watches, or tight clothing near the bite site.
• Clean the bite with soap and water if possible, without scrubbing or using strong antiseptics.

Fire officials say residents should not try to capture or kill the snake, apply a tourniquet or ice. Attempting to suck out the venom or taking aspirin or ibuprofen was also ill-advised by fire officials.

Anyone who sees a copperhead snake should report any sighting to Animal Control at 508-223-2222 ext. 3241.