Poisonous Snakes

Speaking in very basic terms, there are only four species of poisonous snakes native to the United States. Being able to identify a poisonous snake from a non-poisonous snake is critical in your efforts to protect yourself and your family. The vast majority of snakes are not poisonous and are actually beneficial and should not be harmed.

The four species of poisonous snakes to be discussed are, the rattlesnake, the copperhead, the cottonmouth and the coral snake. If you are unfamiliar with snakes and you encounter one, it is best if you slowly move away from the snake and allow it to retreat. While some species of snakes can be aggressive, most will withdraw and hide if given the opportunity. To best protect yourself, give them that opportunity, then move on.

The coral snake is found in the southern half of the United States and can grow to lengths as long as four feet. The snake is very colorful with red, black and yellow bands circling its body. Keep in mind that red indicates danger and yellow indicates caution. When the red and yellow bands are side by side, it is a color snake, which is poisonous. If the red and yellow bands and separated by a black band, it is a milk snake and is totally harmless.

The copperhead is also found in the southern states and likes wooded areas. The copperhead is rarely found above 5,000 feet above sea level. This species can grow to a length of 53 inches and is considered very dangerous. While not aggressive, the copperhead does not shy away from homes and therefore there are frequent confrontations. The copperhead has a head in the shape of a large arrowhead. Its body has large triangles which are generally a orangish brown in color.

The cottonmouth is found mostly in wet areas such as lakes, rivers, swamps and ditches. These snakes are considered very aggressive and very dangerous. The cottonmouth will normally be rather short and fat but can reaches lengths of up to 75 inches. While some cottonmouths will have triangular markings, most are black in color with a triangular shaped head. The inside of the snakes mouth is a bright white, which is where it gets its name. This is a snake you want to give plenty of room and keep a very watchful eye one.

The final poisonous snake species to be looked at is the rattlesnake. The rattlesnake has many sub-species with varying markings and which grow to a wide variety of sizes. These snakes are located in the deep south and tend to like hot dry climates. The rattlesnake has a reputation of being very aggressive, but this is generally not the case. While rattlesnakes will have a wide variety of markings, there will be one feature they all share, the rattle. When threatened the rattlesnake will generally coil into a tight circle and shake its tail which has a built in rattle that will make a very distinctive sound. If you hear this sound, slowly withdraw, even if you do not see the snake. This is its warning and if you are close enough to hear it, you are close enough to be in danger.