Garter, cottonmouth, rattlesnake, copperhead and coral are different types of snakes and many people see one, scream and run. But, it’s important to define which are venomous and which are not. You may be running for no reason at all.
Garter Snakes
Garter snakes are the most common snakes in North America. Most often, they are kept as pets. They get their name from the rings on their bodies which depict garters used to hold socks up.
They are usually very harmless, although some species do have a mild neurotoxic venom that is not harmful to humans.
Cottonmouth Snakes
Cottonmouths are also known as water moccasins, water mambas or swamp lions and they are North America’s only venomous water snake. They can be found basking the sand or in the water. Their name is derived from the white coloration that can be found on their inside of their mouth. Cottonmouths are known as pit vipers which means they have heat-sensing facial pits between their nostrils and their mouths. It is what allows them to sense their prey more efficiently.
While they rarely bite, they will do so if they feel threatened.
Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes are also pit vipers and they use their rattle and also hiss in an effort to keep predators away, but if one comes too close, they will bite and it can be fatal.
Copperhead Snake
Usually seen in North America, copperheads got their name from their copper-red heads. Just like cottonmouths and rattlesnakes, a copperhead is a pit viper.
They typically do not bite unless they are on the defense and while their venom is mild, it is fatal for humans.
Coral Snakes
Coral snakes are really small, but full of vibrant colors and they have the second-strongest venom in any snake in the world. Black mamba carries the most deadliest venom. Having said that, they are not as dangerous as rattlesnakes because their delivery system is much less effective.
However, there are different types of coral snakes, so here are some helpful tips:
- Red touches yellow, kills a fellow.
- Red touches black, friend of Jack.
There are many types of venomous snakes in the world and this is just a small list of some popular ones. There are three common traits to look for when considering a venomous snake from a non-venomous one.
- Look for elliptical pupils (except coral snakes), non-venomous usually have round eyes
- If it’s rattling, it’s venomous
- It’s big and fat, except for coral snakes
Now that spring has come around again and summer is on the horizon, more snakes will start to slither into our daily paths once again. If you find one in or around your home and are not sure what to do, contact a professional who can give you some options. Wildout Animal & Pest Removal can provide you with different solutions to humanely take care of your snake problems.
Contact them today! 1-844-WILDOUT
