Coral snakes are venomous reptiles found across North America, recognized for their vibrant coloration. While their appearance might suggest an aggressive nature, the common perception of them “striking” like many other venomous snakes is a misconception. Their method of delivering venom is distinct.
Understanding Coral Snake Biting Behavior
Coral snakes do not strike and release like pit vipers, which possess long, retractable fangs. Instead, they have small, fixed fangs. When a coral snake bites, it typically latches onto its target and employs a chewing motion to work its neurotoxic venom into the wound.
This chewing action is necessary because their fangs are short and rigid, requiring a prolonged hold for effective venom delivery. Bites often occur when a snake is handled, accidentally stepped on, or directly provoked, rather than through an aggressive strike from a distance. The bite marks can sometimes be subtle, showing minimal signs of injury, and may even be painless initially.
Venom and Bite Severity
The venom of coral snakes is neurotoxic, meaning it primarily affects the nervous system. This potent venom can disrupt nerve impulses, potentially leading to paralysis.
Symptoms of envenomation can be delayed for several hours after the bite, sometimes up to 12 to 18 hours, but they progress rapidly once they manifest. These may include slurred speech, double vision, drooping eyelids (ptosis), muscle weakness, and abnormal skin sensations like “pins and needles.”
The most severe effect is the paralysis of respiratory muscles, which can lead to difficulty breathing or even respiratory failure. Given the delayed onset of symptoms, immediate medical attention is necessary following any suspected coral snake bite, even if initial signs appear mild or absent.
Identifying Coral Snakes
Accurate identification of coral snakes is crucial for public safety due to several non-venomous mimics. Coral snakes are characterized by their distinctive banding pattern of red, yellow, and black rings that completely encircle their bodies.
In North America, a common rhyme helps distinguish them from harmless look-alikes: “Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, venom lack.” This indicates that on a venomous coral snake, red bands are always bordered by yellow. In contrast, non-venomous mimics like king snakes and scarlet snakes have red bands touching black.
Beyond color patterns, coral snakes typically have a blunt, black snout and a small head not much wider than their neck. Their eyes are small and black, often blending into the black snout.
What to Do During an Encounter
When encountering a coral snake, maintaining a safe distance is most important. Back away slowly and avoid handling, provoking, or killing the snake. If a coral snake is found in a residential area, contact local animal control or wildlife experts.
If a bite occurs, remain calm and seek emergency medical help immediately. While waiting for medical professionals, keep the bitten area immobilized and, if possible, position it at or below heart level to help slow venom spread.
Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, attempt to suck out the venom, or apply ice, as these actions can worsen the situation. Contact a poison control center for expert guidance.