rattle snake copper head coral mocassin
Venemous snakes of the US
Although there are several types of non venemous snakes in the US, only four types are venomous: rattlesnakes, water moccasins, copperheads, and coral snakes.
Snakes have quite an unfortunate reputation among humans. Medusa’s head was crawling with snakes. Cleopatra killed herself with a snake’s venom. So disliked are snakes that even the American hero, Indiana Jones, found fighting evil tomb looters more appealing than a den of these legless reptiles. Many of the myths that surround snakes, however, are entirely false. Snakes are not slimy, but have smooth, cool skins. The majority of snakes are not venomous and will not attack without provocation. Snakes are generally solitary creatures and have little to no interest in humans. In fact, most of the truly venomous snakes do not even make their homes in the United States. Although there are several types of snakes throughout the country, only four types are actually venomous: rattlesnakes, water moccasins, copperheads, and coral snakes. Rattlesnakes are perhaps the best known and most easily identifiable snakes in the United States. Most rattlesnakes stretch three to five feet long at maturity and all possess the distinctive rattler at the edge of their tail. The rattle is created through the frequent molting of the snakes’ skin. With each molt, a new segment on the rattle appears. The exact reason for the rattle is unknown. Scientists believe that the rattle is used to attract mates and repel attackers. Rattlesnakes fall into the category of snakes known as pit vipers. The ‘pit’ is a heat sensitive organ located between the eyes and the nostril. The pit acts as a heat radar system to locate prey at night. The snakes kill their prey of mice, rats and prairie dogs by injecting their venom through their hollow front fangs. The largest rattlesnake in the United States is the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake which can grow up to eight feet long. All rattlesnakes have toxic venom that affect the circulatory and nervous systems of humans. Mojave Rattlesnakes are known to have neurotoxic venom that disrupts brain functions. Despite their highly toxic fangs, rattlesnakes rarely use them on humans. Rattlesnakes, like most snakes, will choose flight over fight unless they are cornered and have no other choice but to attack. Water moccasins are snakes most common to the swampy areas of the southern United States. These snakes have an aggressiveness that is more legendary than accurate. Water moccasins, also known as Cottonmouths, live around marshy areas where their main source of food of frogs, turtles and fish live in abundance. These snakes do not spend most of their time submerged in water waiting to attack unsuspecting swimmers, as many believe. Cottonmouths will flee before attacking humans. When it feels there is no escape, it will coil its body and open its mouth wide. The mouth is white and fluffy in appearance giving the water moccasin its nickname, the Cottonmouth. In only the rarest instances will the water moccasin actually bite. Like rattlesnakes, these reptiles are pit vipers and their venom affects both the circulatory and nervous systems. Copperhead snakes are another easily recognizable venomous snake. The snakes typically grow to three feet in length, their bodies marked by distinctive tan hourglass patterns. Their tails are usually tipped in green or yellow. Copperheads enjoy hilly areas from Massachusetts to Florida and Illinois to Northern Mexico. They are the final group of snakes in the pit viper family, but their venom is much less toxic than their cousins and rarely fatal. The final type of venomous snake in the US is coral snakes. Coral snakes are found chiefly in the warm, southern states. They are extremely reclusive and these members of the cobra family prefer to hideout in their underground burrows. Coral snakes are typically three feet in length and brightly colored with red, yellow and black bands. Their markings are usually mistaken for other non-venomous snakes, but all coral snakes possess dark black snouts. Due to their reclusive natures, coral snake bites are rare, but their bites are considered highly toxic. A 1987 Journal of American Medicine study showed no deaths among thirty-nine victims or coral snake bites. Some of the victims did, however, suffer extensive neurological and respiratory problems linked to the toxins. The feared killing power of snakes has led to many meaningless snake killings over the years. Not only do most snakes not attack unless provoked; the majority encountered by humans is non-venomous. Garter snakes are among the most common garden snakes found throughout the US today. These prolific and adaptable reptiles easily make their homes in mulch, shrubbery and cracked masonry. They can even be spotted sunning themselves on the porchsteps. Garter snakes are black or brown with yellow stripes and dark spots. They appeared more checkered than striped and will flee to safety when encountered. Garter snakes are absolutely harmless to humans and actually aid in rodent control. Water snakes are commonly found near ponds, rivers and lakes where they live off of the fish and frogs. Fisherman frequently spots these snakes. Their heavy bodies are usually patterned with red-brown or black crossbands near the head. These snakes are excellent swimmers, but non-aggressive unless provoked. If cornered, they have been known to bite, defecate and spray a foul scent. Hognose snakes are perhaps the most feared of non-venomous snakes, yet their display is more for show as they rarely bite. Hognose snakes are also known as ‘puff adders’. When provoked, these snakes will inflate their bodies and extend a cobra-like hood while hissing threateningly. Their resemblance to the dangerous cobra keep most humans at bay, but if the offender persists, the Hognose will turn on its back, roll out its tongue and appear dead until the threat has passed. Hognose snakes are found mostly in sandy soils and will avoid humans as much as possible. Whether through mischief or accident, snakebites do occur and need to be treated properly to avoid long-term consequences. The most important factor in treating snakebites is the ability of the victim to identify the attacker. Knowing the difference between venomous vs. non-venomous snakes (note: Technically snakes are never ‘poisonous’, as poison must be ingested and snake venom is always injected.), will greatly increase the chances of proper treatment and reduce complications. For non-venomous snakebites, the area should be cleaned with soap, water and antiseptic to reduce the chance of infection. The victim should be observed for twenty-four hours. Some victims can show allergic reactions to non-venomous snakebites. Venomous snakebites require immediate medical attention. The release of venom during a snakebite is not always under control of the snake. Many times venom is released too soon, the majority soaking the victims skin rather than entering into the bloodstream. However, the snake can also be quite accurate and inject quite a bit of venom into the victim. Symptoms of venomous snakebites include swelling, discoloration and pain at the site of the bite. The victim may feel weak, dizzy, nauseated, and perspire heavily. In the case of a venomous snakebite, the victim should remain as still as possible to prevent coursing blood moving the venom through the rest of the body. If possible, the bite should be kept below the level of the heart. According to the American Red Cross, if it is impossible to reach medical care within thirty minutes, a bandage should be wrapped two to four inches above the wound. It should be loose enough to allow one finger to slip between the wrap and the skin. A bandage will slow the spread of the venom. Suction devices found in snakebite kits are also helpful. Most venomous snakebites are treated with anti-venom. The US Food and Drug administration describes anti-venom as deriving from antibodies in horse’s blood serum, which has been injected with snake venom. (Henkel, John. “For Goodness Snakes: Treating and Preventing Venomous Bites”. FDA Consumer Magazine. November 1995). The anti-venom is injected into the victim through the veins or muscle tissues and acts to neutralize the affects of the snake venom. Some physicians have also advocated a surgical treatment of tissue around the bite called fasciotomy. All medical professionals agree, however, that no ice (counterproductive), tourniquets (too tight and cut off all blood flow to limbs), electric shocks, or incisions (cause more damage than the bite) should ever be used in the treatment of snakebites. The best prevention for snakebites is awareness and proper clothes. Long pants and heavy boots could mean the difference between a bite and a near miss. Under no circumstances should snakes of any sort be chased, harassed or provoked to attack, as the agitation and inevitable consequences benefit no one. In the reptile world, snakes are one of the most graceful and beautiful creatures, preferring solitude while keeping pesky rodents under control. In an effort to let snakes perform their beneficial duty, they should be observed quietly from afar and left in peace, allowing us both to live in harmony.
Although there are several types of non venemous snakes in the US, only four types are venomous: rattlesnakes, water moccasins, copperheads, and coral snakes.
Snakes have quite an unfortunate reputation among humans. Medusa’s head was crawling with snakes. Cleopatra killed herself with a snake’s venom. So disliked are snakes that even the American hero, Indiana Jones, found fighting evil tomb looters more appealing than a den of these legless reptiles. Many of the myths that surround snakes, however, are entirely false. Snakes are not slimy, but have smooth, cool skins. The majority of snakes are not venomous and will not attack without provocation. Snakes are generally solitary creatures and have little to no interest in humans. In fact, most of the truly venomous snakes do not even make their homes in the United States. Although there are several types of snakes throughout the country, only four types are actually venomous: rattlesnakes, water moccasins, copperheads, and coral snakes. Rattlesnakes are perhaps the best known and most easily identifiable snakes in the United States. Most rattlesnakes stretch three to five feet long at maturity and all possess the distinctive rattler at the edge of their tail. The rattle is created through the frequent molting of the snakes’ skin. With each molt, a new segment on the rattle appears. The exact reason for the rattle is unknown. Scientists believe that the rattle is used to attract mates and repel attackers. Rattlesnakes fall into the category of snakes known as pit vipers. The ‘pit’ is a heat sensitive organ located between the eyes and the nostril. The pit acts as a heat radar system to locate prey at night. The snakes kill their prey of mice, rats and prairie dogs by injecting their venom through their hollow front fangs. The largest rattlesnake in the United States is the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake which can grow up to eight feet long. All rattlesnakes have toxic venom that affect the circulatory and nervous systems of humans. Mojave Rattlesnakes are known to have neurotoxic venom that disrupts brain functions. Despite their highly toxic fangs, rattlesnakes rarely use them on humans. Rattlesnakes, like most snakes, will choose flight over fight unless they are cornered and have no other choice but to attack. Water moccasins are snakes most common to the swampy areas of the southern United States. These snakes have an aggressiveness that is more legendary than accurate. Water moccasins, also known as Cottonmouths, live around marshy areas where their main source of food of frogs, turtles and fish live in abundance. These snakes do not spend most of their time submerged in water waiting to attack unsuspecting swimmers, as many believe. Cottonmouths will flee before attacking humans. When it feels there is no escape, it will coil its body and open its mouth wide. The mouth is white and fluffy in appearance giving the water moccasin its nickname, the Cottonmouth. In only the rarest instances will the water moccasin actually bite. Like rattlesnakes, these reptiles are pit vipers and their venom affects both the circulatory and nervous systems. Copperhead snakes are another easily recognizable venomous snake. The snakes typically grow to three feet in length, their bodies marked by distinctive tan hourglass patterns. Their tails are usually tipped in green or yellow. Copperheads enjoy hilly areas from Massachusetts to Florida and Illinois to Northern Mexico. They are the final group of snakes in the pit viper family, but their venom is much less toxic than their cousins and rarely fatal. The final type of venomous snake in the US is coral snakes. Coral snakes are found chiefly in the warm, southern states. They are extremely reclusive and these members of the cobra family prefer to hideout in their underground burrows. Coral snakes are typically three feet in length and brightly colored with red, yellow and black bands. Their markings are usually mistaken for other non-venomous snakes, but all coral snakes possess dark black snouts. Due to their reclusive natures, coral snake bites are rare, but their bites are considered highly toxic. A 1987 Journal of American Medicine study showed no deaths among thirty-nine victims or coral snake bites. Some of the victims did, however, suffer extensive neurological and respiratory problems linked to the toxins. The feared killing power of snakes has led to many meaningless snake killings over the years. Not only do most snakes not attack unless provoked; the majority encountered by humans is non-venomous. Garter snakes are among the most common garden snakes found throughout the US today. These prolific and adaptable reptiles easily make their homes in mulch, shrubbery and cracked masonry. They can even be spotted sunning themselves on the porchsteps. Garter snakes are black or brown with yellow stripes and dark spots. They appeared more checkered than striped and will flee to safety when encountered. Garter snakes are absolutely harmless to humans and actually aid in rodent control. Water snakes are commonly found near ponds, rivers and lakes where they live off of the fish and frogs. Fisherman frequently spots these snakes. Their heavy bodies are usually patterned with red-brown or black crossbands near the head. These snakes are excellent swimmers, but non-aggressive unless provoked. If cornered, they have been known to bite, defecate and spray a foul scent. Hognose snakes are perhaps the most feared of non-venomous snakes, yet their display is more for show as they rarely bite. Hognose snakes are also known as ‘puff adders’. When provoked, these snakes will inflate their bodies and extend a cobra-like hood while hissing threateningly. Their resemblance to the dangerous cobra keep most humans at bay, but if the offender persists, the Hognose will turn on its back, roll out its tongue and appear dead until the threat has passed. Hognose snakes are found mostly in sandy soils and will avoid humans as much as possible. Whether through mischief or accident, snakebites do occur and need to be treated properly to avoid long-term consequences. The most important factor in treating snakebites is the ability of the victim to identify the attacker. Knowing the difference between venomous vs. non-venomous snakes (note: Technically snakes are never ‘poisonous’, as poison must be ingested and snake venom is always injected.), will greatly increase the chances of proper treatment and reduce complications. For non-venomous snakebites, the area should be cleaned with soap, water and antiseptic to reduce the chance of infection. The victim should be observed for twenty-four hours. Some victims can show allergic reactions to non-venomous snakebites. Venomous snakebites require immediate medical attention. The release of venom during a snakebite is not always under control of the snake. Many times venom is released too soon, the majority soaking the victims skin rather than entering into the bloodstream. However, the snake can also be quite accurate and inject quite a bit of venom into the victim. Symptoms of venomous snakebites include swelling, discoloration and pain at the site of the bite. The victim may feel weak, dizzy, nauseated, and perspire heavily. In the case of a venomous snakebite, the victim should remain as still as possible to prevent coursing blood moving the venom through the rest of the body. If possible, the bite should be kept below the level of the heart. According to the American Red Cross, if it is impossible to reach medical care within thirty minutes, a bandage should be wrapped two to four inches above the wound. It should be loose enough to allow one finger to slip between the wrap and the skin. A bandage will slow the spread of the venom. Suction devices found in snakebite kits are also helpful. Most venomous snakebites are treated with anti-venom. The US Food and Drug administration describes anti-venom as deriving from antibodies in horse’s blood serum, which has been injected with snake venom. (Henkel, John. “For Goodness Snakes: Treating and Preventing Venomous Bites”. FDA Consumer Magazine. November 1995). The anti-venom is injected into the victim through the veins or muscle tissues and acts to neutralize the affects of the snake venom. Some physicians have also advocated a surgical treatment of tissue around the bite called fasciotomy. All medical professionals agree, however, that no ice (counterproductive), tourniquets (too tight and cut off all blood flow to limbs), electric shocks, or incisions (cause more damage than the bite) should ever be used in the treatment of snakebites. The best prevention for snakebites is awareness and proper clothes. Long pants and heavy boots could mean the difference between a bite and a near miss. Under no circumstances should snakes of any sort be chased, harassed or provoked to attack, as the agitation and inevitable consequences benefit no one. In the reptile world, snakes are one of the most graceful and beautiful creatures, preferring solitude while keeping pesky rodents under control. In an effort to let snakes perform their beneficial duty, they should be observed quietly from afar and left in peace, allowing us both to live in harmony.