Horror after copperhead snake caught sight of mayor's wife, 39, as her husband grilled salmon at comfortable North Carolina home

By LAURA PARNABY, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 17:53, 5 May 2026 | Updated: 17:53, 5 May 2026 A North Carolina mayor has opened up about the terrifying moment his wife was bitten by a venomous copperhead snake as they were about to eat dinner outside their suburban home.  Republican Mayor Robert Burns said his partner Lauren was attacked by the four-foot reptile on Wednesday while he grilled salmon on their backyard deck in Monroe, just outside of Charlotte. 'She's out there talking to her dad on the phone, and I hear "it's not good, babe,"' Burns told Fox News on Tuesday. 'I'm like, "what's not good? The salmon is going to be great, honey. I don't know what you're talking about."'  Burns said his wife felt a sharp pain in her lower leg, and when he rushed to her aid he found 'two puncture wounds that were bleeding right above her ankle'.  The Monroe Mayor said his teenage son sprinted outside to slaughter the snake as he took his wife to Atrium Health hospital in Matthews for treatment.  Copperhead snakes are responsible for more venomous bites than any other snake type in the United States, according to the National Geographic. Though most people recover from a copperhead snake bite, they are extremely painful and can be fatal.  Burns gave an update via X on his wife's condition the day after she was attacked by one of the venomous vipers. 'So... word has gotten out that my sweet wife was bitten by a large copperhead last night,' Burns wrote on Thursday.  'When it happened, we rushed her to the ER. The staff at our local hospital were absolutely amazing. They were responsive, kind, very helpful, and overall fantastic. Monroe Mayor Robert Burns has opened up about the moment his wife Lauren was bitten by a copperhead snake outside their suburban home. The North Carolina couple is pictured above Republican Mayor Robert Burns said his wife Lauren was attacked by the four-foot reptile while he grilled salmon in their backyard of their home (pictured) in Monroe, just outside of Charlotte Copperhead snakes are responsible for more venomous bites than any other snake type in the United States, according to the National Geographic. They are prevalent in dozens of states 'Our biggest concern was the possibility of it not getting better and having to use 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. 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. We're a busy family with a lot going on right now, but we truly cherish your prayers and are grateful for all the support, texts, calls, emails, and well wishes. We love y'all. Keep praying.' Three days later, Burns reassured his followers that Lauren was starting to recover thanks to their prayers. 'My friends, PRAYER WORKS,' he wrote on Sunday. 'My sweet wife is doing remarkably well considering just two days ago how bad off she was.  'Yesterday she turned a corner in her pain and today she’s still very sore but is even better to a point she is actually up a little using crutches.  Burns' wife Lauren is still recovering from the venomous snake attack last Wednesday, he said Monroe Mayor Robert Burns said his wife Lauren felt a sharp pain in her lower leg, and when he rushed to her aid he found 'two puncture wounds that were bleeding right above her ankle 'We are grateful for all the love and support. I count my blessings every day because of her.  'Seeing her like this the past couple days hasn’t been easy for our kids or myself but our family’s faith rests in the Great Healer. And HE’S ANSWERED. God bless each of you. Thank you.' Copperhead snakes thrive in both rural and suburban areas like Monroe, a city located around 25 miles south-east of Charlotte, close to the South Carolina border.  They are prevalent across dozens of states in the south and east, from southern New England to Texas and Florida.  Usually around three foot in length, the stout snakes are gray or tan-colored, with bronze-hued heads and hourglass-shaped stripes.  Copperhead snake bites are rarely fatal, but can be deadly if the victim is elderly or immuno-compromised.  Burns said his wife was attacked by the four-foot reptile while he grilled salmon in their yard If bitten by one of the reptiles, the CDC recommends taking a photograph of the snake for physicians to identify the bite type. Medics also advise washing the bite gently with soap, and removing any watches and jewelry near the bite area, since it is likely to swell.  The CDC warns against taking painkillers, applying ice or a tourniquet, or attempting to suck out the venom.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. 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