Milk snakes (Lampropeltis) are non-venomous snakes found across North and Central America, often inhabiting fields, forests, and areas near human settlements like barns. Although they can bite, they are generally harmless, and their bite is not considered medically dangerous to humans. Public concern often arises because their color patterns cause them to be mistaken for venomous species.
The Nature of the Milk Snake Bite
Milk snakes have aglyphous dentition, meaning they lack specialized fangs for injecting venom. Their mouths contain small, solid teeth used primarily for gripping prey, such as rodents, birds, and other reptiles. When biting defensively, the result is typically superficial, feeling like a strong pinch or minor scratch.
Because their teeth are small, they rarely penetrate the skin deeply. A bite seldom requires medical attention beyond simple first aid, such as cleaning the wound with soap and water to prevent infection. Since they are non-venomous, their defensive strike is considered a bluff rather than a genuine threat.
Distinguishing Milk Snakes from Venomous Look-Alikes
The concern over milk snake bites stems from their resemblance to the coral snake, a phenomenon known as Batesian mimicry. Both species display bright bands of red, yellow, and black, making field identification essential. The most reliable distinction focuses on the order of these colored bands.
In most milk snakes, the red bands are bordered by black bands (Red touches Black). This contrasts with the coral snake, where the red bands directly touch the yellow bands. This difference is often remembered by the mnemonic: “Red touches black is a friend of Jack; red touches yellow kills a fellow.”
Other physical differences exist, though they vary by subspecies. Coral snakes typically have a solid black head behind the eyes, while milk snakes have a more colorful or patterned head. Milk snakes also tend to have a less triangular head shape than vipers, though they may flatten their heads when threatened.
Understanding Defensive Behavior and Prevention
Milk snakes only bite as a last resort, using it purely for defense when cornered or handled roughly. Given their secretive nature, their primary defense is usually to escape and remain hidden. If escape is impossible, a common display is rapidly vibrating their tail against leaf litter or dry grass, mimicking a rattlesnake’s warning sound.
This tail-vibrating behavior is a bluff intended to deter predators. They may also release a foul-smelling musk from their cloacal glands to make themselves unappetizing. The most practical advice for preventing a bite is to leave the snake alone. If encountered, observe it from a distance and allow it to move away naturally, avoiding any attempt to pick up or restrain it.