Encounters with orange snakes often lead to immediate questions about their potential danger. While some are venomous, many are not, and color alone is not a reliable indicator of threat. Understanding key identification features and appropriate responses can help ensure safety.
Identifying Characteristics of Orange Snakes
Beyond color, a snake’s head shape and pupil type can indicate if it is venomous. Venomous snakes, particularly pit vipers like rattlesnakes and copperheads, often have a triangular or spade-shaped head distinctly wider than their neck. Non-venomous snakes typically have a more rounded head, not much wider than their body. The shape of a snake’s pupils can also offer a clue; venomous pit vipers typically have elliptical, cat-like pupils, while most non-venomous snakes have round pupils.
Scale patterns provide further insights. Rattlesnakes, for instance, have keeled scales, which have a ridge down the center, giving them a rough appearance. Non-venomous snakes, like corn snakes and milk snakes, often have smooth or weakly keeled scales. The underside of a snake’s tail is also indicative: venomous snakes often have a single row of scales from the anal plate to the tail tip, while non-venomous snakes usually have a double row. A rattle is a definitive sign of a rattlesnake, though young rattlesnakes may lack a fully developed rattle, and some non-venomous snakes vibrate their tails to mimic the sound.
Are All Orange Snakes Dangerous?
Not all orange snakes are dangerous. Snakes are “venomous” because they inject toxins through a bite, unlike “poisonous” animals whose toxins are harmful if ingested or touched. Many orange snakes are harmless, while a few are venomous.
Common non-venomous orange snakes include corn snakes (also known as red rat snakes), which are slender, typically orange or reddish-brown with large, black-bordered blotches and a distinctive black and white checkerboard belly pattern. They are often found in forests, fields, and abandoned buildings, helping control rodent populations. Milk snakes often display red, black, and lighter beige, brown, or gray bands. They can be confused with venomous coral snakes, though milk snakes have smooth, shiny scales and a small head. Garter snakes, including some with orange coloration like the orange-striped ribbon snake or plains garter snake, typically have distinct stripes.
Less common venomous orange snakes include the coral snake and some copperheads. Coral snakes are highly venomous, recognized by distinct red, yellow, and black rings where red and yellow rings touch. Copperheads can also exhibit orange or reddish-brown markings, particularly juveniles which may have a bright yellow tail tip. These pit vipers are identifiable by their triangular heads, elliptical pupils, and hourglass-shaped blotches along their bodies, which can sometimes appear orange or reddish. Rattlesnakes, though often brown or gray, can also have orange or yellowish hues and are identified by their signature rattle.
Encountering an Orange Snake Safely
If you encounter an orange snake, remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Snakes generally do not seek confrontation and will usually move away if given space. Maintain a safe distance, typically several feet, to allow the snake to retreat. Never attempt to handle, provoke, or kill a snake, even if it appears dead, as some species can play dead or may strike if threatened.
If a snake is in an unwanted location, such as inside your home or a frequently used yard area, contact local animal control or a professional snake removal service. These professionals safely remove and relocate snakes. For prevention around your home, clear potential hiding spots like overgrown grass, leaf piles, woodpiles, and debris. Sealing cracks and openings in your home’s foundation and around pipes can also prevent entry. Reducing food sources like rodents and insects, and eliminating standing water, can make your yard less attractive to snakes.