Identifying Venomous Snakes in the United States

Quck answer

To know if a snake is venomous, you need to look at its physical characteristics. Venomous snakes have triangular-shaped heads, heat-sensing pits on the sides of their heads, and elliptical pupils. Non-venomous snakes have round pupils, and their heads are not wider than their necks. Additionally, venomous snakes have fangs that are hollow and can retract, while non-venomous snakes have solid teeth. It is important to remember that not all venomous snakes are deadly, and not all non-venomous snakes are harmless. If you encounter a snake, it is best to avoid it and seek professional help if necessary.

Wild Animals

The majority of snakes in the United States are non-venomous, with the exception of copperheads, coral snakes, rattlesnakes, and water moccasins [source: CDC]. If bitten by any of these venomous snakes, immediate medical attention is necessary as the venom can be deadly [source: Mayo Clinic].

Most venomous snakes in the United States share certain characteristics, including slit eyes (with the exception of coral snakes), a triangle-shaped head, and a depression between the eyes and nostrils [source: Mayo Clinic].

Each venomous snake species also has its own distinct features:

• Copperheads have a range of colors from red to gold and an hourglass pattern on their body [source: CDC]. Young copperheads have a bright yellow-tipped tail and can grow up to 24 to 40 inches (61 to 102 centimeters) long. They are typically found in the Eastern United States [source: Andrews, Willson].
• Coral snakes have red, yellow, and black rings, with the red and yellow rings touching. They are typically slender and range from 18 to 30 inches (46 to 76 centimeters) long, although they can be longer [source: Barrentine]. Unlike other venomous snakes, coral snakes do not have slit eyes [source: Mayo Clinic]. They can be found in the Southern United States [source: CDC].
• Rattlesnakes are the most common type of venomous snake in the United States, with 32 different types, each having distinct identifying features. All rattlesnakes share a tail that makes a rattling sound when the snake feels threatened [source: CDC].
• Water moccasins, or cottonmouths, can be completely brown or black, or have yellow cross bands. Younger snakes are usually more colorful and may have a yellow-tipped tail. They can grow quite large, with adults reaching up to 24 to 48 inches (61 to 122 centimeters) or more [source: Andrews]. Water moccasins can be found near rivers and lakes in the Southeastern United States [source: CDC].

FAQ

1. What are the signs that a snake is venomous?

There are a few things to look out for when trying to determine if a snake is venomous. Firstly, venomous snakes tend to have triangular shaped heads, whereas non-venomous snakes have more rounded heads. Additionally, venomous snakes often have slit-like pupils, whereas non-venomous snakes have round pupils. Finally, venomous snakes usually have a heat-sensitive pit located between their eye and nostril, which non-venomous snakes do not have.

2. Can you tell if a snake is venomous just by looking at it?

While there are some physical characteristics that can indicate whether a snake is venomous or not, it is not always possible to tell just by looking at it. It is important to exercise caution around all snakes, regardless of whether they are venomous or not, as even non-venomous snakes can still bite and cause injury.

3. What should I do if I am bitten by a snake?

If you are bitten by a snake, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think the snake was venomous. Try to remain as calm and still as possible, as moving around can cause the venom to spread more quickly through your body. Do not attempt to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet, as these methods can actually make the situation worse.

4. How do I avoid being bitten by a venomous snake?

The best way to avoid being bitten by a venomous snake is to stay away from areas where snakes are known to live. If you are out hiking or camping, be sure to wear long pants and boots, and stay on marked trails. If you do encounter a snake, give it plenty of space and do not attempt to handle it.

5. Are all venomous snakes deadly?

No, not all venomous snakes are deadly. In fact, many species of venomous snakes have relatively mild venom that is not harmful to humans. However, it is still important to exercise caution around all venomous snakes, as their bites can still cause significant pain and discomfort.

6. Can venomous snakes be kept as pets?

While it is legal to own some species of venomous snakes as pets in certain parts of the world, it is generally not recommended. Venomous snakes require a high level of care and expertise, and even experienced handlers can still be bitten. Additionally, owning a venomous snake can be dangerous and potentially deadly, both for the owner and anyone who comes into contact with the snake.