The coral snake is a brightly banded reptile that is highly venomous and belongs to the Elapidae family, which includes cobras and mambas. Confusion about its danger level is widespread because several non-venomous species, such as the scarlet kingsnake, closely mimic its striking coloration. Understanding the true danger, how to identify it correctly, and the proper response to a bite are matters of public safety.
The Definitive Answer: Yes, It Is Venomous
The coral snake’s venom is a powerful neurotoxin that primarily attacks the nervous system rather than causing extensive local tissue damage. This contrasts with the hemotoxic venom of pit vipers like rattlesnakes, which cause severe pain and swelling at the bite site. The coral snake’s bite may initially produce only minimal pain, local numbness, or little reaction, which can mislead a victim into believing the bite was not serious. Systemic effects, such as muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, and blurred vision, can be delayed for several hours, sometimes up to 18 hours after the bite.
The venom can cause respiratory failure due to the paralysis of the breathing muscles. Coral snakes possess small, fixed fangs at the front of their mouth, which is a less efficient delivery system than the hinged fangs of pit vipers. The snake often needs to hold on or make a chewing motion to effectively deliver venom. Although coral snake bites are rare due to the animal’s reclusive nature, the venom is potent and potentially lethal if not treated with antivenom.
Identifying the True Coral Snake
The most reliable identification method for the coral snake in the United States is the specific arrangement of its red, yellow, and black color bands. The venomous coral snake has red bands touching yellow bands, while its harmless counterparts, such as the scarlet kingsnake, have red bands touching black bands.
This distinction is summarized in the well-known mnemonic rhyme: “Red and yellow kill a fellow; red and black venom lack.” This rule applies to the two primary US species, the Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) and the Texas coral snake (Micrurus tener), found mostly in the Southern and Southeastern regions. A coral snake also typically has a black snout followed immediately by a yellow band. This rhyme is specific to the US and does not reliably apply to species found in Central or South America, where color patterns vary greatly.
Emergency Protocol Following a Bite
If a bite from a coral snake or a look-alike is suspected, immediately call emergency services to seek professional medical help. All suspected bites require hospitalization, even if symptoms are not yet present, because the onset of neurotoxic effects can be significantly delayed. The affected limb should be immobilized and kept below the level of the heart to slow the spread of the venom.
In contrast to pit viper bites, some medical authorities recommend the pre-hospital application of a pressure immobilization bandage to the bite site to limit the systemic spread of the neurotoxin. Once at the hospital, the definitive treatment is the administration of the North American Coral Snake Antivenom. It is advised to avoid dangerous and unproven home remedies, as these actions can worsen the outcome:
- Cutting the wound
- Attempting to suck out the venom
- Applying ice
- Using a tourniquet