Understanding the differences between venomous and non-venomous snakes is important for personal safety. While many snakes are harmless and play a beneficial role in ecosystems, an encounter with a venomous species can pose a serious risk. Developing the ability to identify these reptiles can help prevent bites and ensure appropriate actions are taken if an encounter occurs.
Common Physical Indicators
Many venomous snakes, especially pit vipers, display distinct physical characteristics. Their head often appears triangular or spade-shaped due to venom glands at the rear of the jaw. In contrast, most non-venomous snakes typically have a more rounded or elongated head that blends smoothly with their body.
The pupils of the eyes are another distinguishing feature. Many venomous snakes, particularly nocturnal ones, possess vertical, elliptical pupils, resembling a cat’s eye. Most non-venomous snakes, and some diurnal venomous species, have round pupils. Pit vipers, including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths, also have a deep heat-sensing pit between their eye and nostril. This specialized organ allows them to detect warm-blooded prey.
The presence of a rattle is a clear sign of a rattlesnake. This unique structure, composed of interlocking keratin segments, produces a characteristic buzzing sound when vibrated. Many venomous snakes tend to have a stockier, heavier body relative to their length compared to the more slender build of non-venomous snakes. Accurate identification often requires observing multiple features.
Recognizing Distinctive Venomous Patterns
Specific patterns and behaviors can help distinguish venomous snakes. Coral snakes, found in North America, are recognized by their distinctive banding pattern of red, yellow, and black. A common rhyme, “red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, venom lack,” helps differentiate venomous coral snakes (red bands touching yellow bands) from non-venomous mimics like king snakes (red bands touching black bands). This color order is a reliable identifier for these species.
Copperheads are identified by their reddish-brown to tan bodies marked with hourglass or Hershey’s Kiss-shaped bands. These bands are typically wider on the sides of the body and constrict along the dorsal ridge. Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, often have a dark, uniform coloration with faint, dark crossbands. When threatened, they frequently display a defensive posture, coiling their body and opening their mouth wide to reveal the white interior, hence their name. They also tend to swim with their entire body visible on the water’s surface.
Rattlesnakes, aside from their iconic rattle, exhibit diverse patterns depending on the species. These can include diamond-shaped blotches, chevron patterns, or intricate designs that provide camouflage. These patterns vary across different rattlesnake species but are generally well-defined and often recur along the length of the body. Observing these specific patterns, in conjunction with other physical traits, provides stronger evidence for identification.
Dispelling Common Myths and Identifying Mimics
Relying on common misconceptions can lead to dangerous misidentifications when encountering snakes. A snake’s aggression level is not a reliable indicator of its venomousness; most snakes, venomous or not, prefer to avoid confrontation and will only strike if threatened. A snake’s size does not determine if it is venomous, as both small and large species can possess venom. The ability to swim is not exclusive to venomous snakes, as many non-venomous species are proficient swimmers.
Several non-venomous snakes have evolved to mimic venomous species. King snakes, for example, can have banding patterns similar to coral snakes, but the order of the colored bands differs. Hognose snakes are known for their defensive display of flattening their heads and bodies, hissing loudly, and even playing dead to appear more formidable, similar to a pit viper.
Water snakes can flatten their heads when threatened, making them appear triangular and potentially mistaken for cottonmouths. Relying on a single characteristic for identification is often misleading. It is important to consider a combination of features, including head shape, pupil shape, body pattern, and behavior, to make a more accurate assessment.
Encounter Safety and What to Do
Encountering a snake requires caution and a clear understanding of appropriate actions to ensure safety. Maintaining a safe distance, typically at least six feet, is important when a snake is observed. Avoid provoking, approaching, or attempting to handle or kill any snake, as this increases the risk of a bite. The safest approach is to slowly back away and allow the snake to move on its own.
In the event of a snake bite, immediate medical attention is necessary. Remaining calm and still can help slow the spread of venom. Removing any jewelry or tight clothing near the bite area before swelling begins is recommended. The bitten limb should be kept still and positioned below the level of the heart to minimize venom flow.
Seeking emergency medical services without delay is a crucial step. Do not attempt to apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or try to suck out the venom, as these actions are ineffective and can cause further harm. Wearing appropriate closed-toe footwear and long pants when in snake habitats, and being aware of surroundings, can help prevent bites.