Encountering a snake can be startling, often raising questions about its danger. Many wonder if a small black snake is harmful. Not all small black snakes pose a threat, and understanding common species can alleviate concern. This article clarifies which small black snakes are harmless and how to react safely.
Understanding Venomous Versus Poisonous
The terms “poisonous” and “venomous” are often used interchangeably, but they describe different ways toxins enter the body. A poisonous animal delivers toxins when ingested or absorbed, such as some frogs or plants that are harmful if eaten or touched. In contrast, a venomous animal injects its toxins, typically through a bite or a sting. Snakes are venomous, not poisonous, meaning they must bite to deliver their specialized toxins.
Common Non-Venomous Small Black Snakes
Many small black snakes found in various habitats are not venomous and play beneficial roles in their ecosystems. The Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) is a common example, growing 10 to 15 inches long with a distinct yellow, orange, or red band around its neck and a similarly colored belly. These snakes are secretive, active at night, and feed on earthworms, small insects, and salamanders. When threatened, they may coil their tail to display their bright underside, a defensive behavior.
Another non-venomous species is the Western Worm Snake (Carphophis vermis), which closely resembles an earthworm, measuring about 7 to 15 inches long. It has smooth, dark purple or black scales on its back and a lighter pink or salmon-colored belly. These burrowing snakes are elusive, spending most of their time hidden under leaf litter, rocks, or logs, and primarily consume earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates.
Juvenile Black Racers (Coluber constrictor) can appear small and dark, though adults are larger, reaching up to 60 inches. Young racers are gray or tan with reddish-brown blotches that fade to solid black as they mature. These agile, diurnal snakes are found in diverse habitats like forests, fields, and suburban areas, preying on rodents, birds, and insects.
The Smooth Earthsnake (Virginia valeriae) is a small, non-venomous snake, 7 to 10 inches long, with smooth scales and a brown or gray body that may have tiny black speckles. They are reclusive, often found under rocks, logs, or leaf litter in forested areas, and primarily eat earthworms, slugs, and other soft-bodied invertebrates.
Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) is another small, non-venomous species, 9 to 13 inches long, with a gray to brown body and a lighter stripe bordered by small black spots. They are highly adaptable, often found in gardens and urban areas, and specialize in eating slugs and earthworms.
Common Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) are widespread and may be black with three yellow lengthwise stripes, reaching up to 3 feet long. While non-venomous, their saliva can be mildly toxic to their small prey. Garter snakes inhabit various environments including meadows, gardens, and areas near water, feeding on frogs, earthworms, and insects.
Are There Any Small Black Venomous Snakes?
While most small black snakes encountered are non-venomous, some venomous species may appear small and dark, especially as juveniles. For instance, young Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus), a type of pit viper, can be dark and might be mistaken for non-venomous snakes. Distinguishing features can include a broad, triangular head, heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils, and elliptical pupils, which resemble a cat’s eye. Non-venomous snakes have rounded heads and round pupils. However, some non-venomous snakes can flatten their heads to mimic a triangular shape when threatened, making identification by head shape alone unreliable.
Encountering Snakes Safely
When you encounter any snake, observe it from a distance and avoid interaction. Do not attempt to handle, capture, or provoke the snake. Most snakes will try to move away if given the opportunity. If a snake is in your yard, allow it to move on its own; if it poses a persistent concern, contact local animal control or a wildlife professional for assistance.
In the unlikely event of a snake bite, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services. While waiting for help, remain calm and keep the bitten area still and below the level of the heart to help slow the spread of any potential venom. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the affected limb before swelling begins. Do not attempt to cut the wound, suck out the venom, apply a tourniquet, or use ice on the bite, as these actions can cause more harm than good. Do not try to catch or kill the snake, as a dead snake can still deliver venom through reflex actions for a period.