The king snake, a widespread reptile found across North America, often sparks curiosity about its potential danger. Many wonder if this striking snake is venomous. The answer is simple: king snakes are not venomous. This article clarifies common misunderstandings, provides identification tips, and offers safety guidelines.
Are King Snakes Venomous?
King snakes are non-venomous reptiles. They are constrictors, subduing prey by coiling tightly around it and squeezing until blood flow is cut off. This method allows them to overcome various animals, including rodents, birds, lizards, and other snakes. While a king snake might bite if threatened, their bites are not medically significant and pose no serious harm to humans, similar to a scratch.
Understanding the Misconception
The belief that king snakes are dangerous often stems from two factors: mimicry and their diet. Some king snake species, like the scarlet kingsnake, have red, black, and yellow bands resembling the venomous coral snake. This mimicry, known as Batesian mimicry, allows the harmless king snake to deter predators by imitating a dangerous species. Predators avoiding coral snakes also tend to avoid similarly patterned king snakes.
King snakes also earn their “king” moniker from their habit of preying on other snakes, including venomous species like rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. This behavior can lead to the false assumption that king snakes must possess venom themselves. However, king snakes have a natural resistance to the venom of many native pit vipers, allowing them to tolerate a bite while constricting prey.
How to Identify a King Snake
Distinguishing a king snake from its venomous look-alikes, especially the coral snake, is important. For banded king snakes and coral snakes, a helpful rhyme is “Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, a friend of Jack”. This refers to the color pattern: if red bands touch yellow bands, it is likely a venomous coral snake, whereas if red bands touch black bands, it is a non-venomous king snake.
Beyond color patterns, other physical characteristics can aid identification. King snakes have a rounded head and round pupils, unlike many venomous snakes (pit vipers) with triangular or cat-like pupils. King snakes also have smooth, glossy scales. When threatened, king snakes may rattle their tail against debris to mimic a rattlesnake, or release a foul-smelling musk.
What to Do If You See One
If you encounter a king snake, leave it undisturbed. These snakes benefit ecosystems by controlling pests like rodents and regulating other snake populations, including venomous ones. Observe the snake from a safe distance to appreciate its natural behavior without causing stress.
If a king snake is found indoors, contact local animal control or a professional snake handler for safe removal. Attempting to handle the snake yourself can lead to a defensive bite, even though it is not venomous. If a bite occurs, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water and apply antiseptic. While king snake bites are minor, monitor the site for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or pus, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.