Differentiate Between Poisonous Snakes and Non Poisonous Snakes

Some snakes harm their prey by injecting venom through their fangs; some of this venom can be harmful to humans, resulting in what we often think of as "poisoning" (although it's technically called venom, not poison). It is not out of the question to encounter snakes while hiking or camping. So, before venturing into nature, it's necessary to know how to tell the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes.

Steps

Identifying Common Features

  1. Look at the head. Most venomous snakes usually have triangular shaped heads.
  2. Observe the colors. Some venomous snakes such as the coral snake have bright colors.
  3. Look into their eyes. Some venomous snakes have vertical eye slits, versus round pupils usually seen in non-venomous snakes.
  4. Look for a pit between the snake's eyes and nostrils. A venomous snake normally has a heat-sensitive pit there to locate warm-blooded prey. Non-venomous snakes lack such pits.
  5. See if there is a rattle. A snake with a rattle on its tail must be a rattlesnake, which is venomous.
  6. Notice the underside scales on the tip of the tail. Most venomous snakes have one row of scales there while non-venomous snakes usually have two rows.
  7. Check the bottom of the tail if you can. The bottom of the tail (behind the anus) of venomous snakes looks the same as the rest of the belly. If the snake has a cross pattern (like a diamond shape) it is non-venomous. However, this may not be easy to find out, unless the snake is dead.
  8. Watch water snakes swim. Only venomous water snakes swim with their entire bodies visible on the water.
  9. Examine the bite marks in case of a snake attack. Two close-set puncture marks would indicate that the snake has fangs and is venomous. By contrast, a ragged bite mark means the snake lacks fangs, which only non-venomous snakes have.

Knowing the Exceptions

  1. Look out for the exceptions to the rules above:
    • The coral snake is venomous but has a round-shaped head while some non-venomous snakes may flatten their heads to resemble triangles when they are threatened.
    • Some colorful snakes, such as the scarlet snakes, the scarlet kingsnake, and the red milk snake, are non-venomous.
    • The black mamba, the cobra, and the inland taipan snake are venomous but have round pupils like most non-venomous snakes. So does the coral snake, which is venomous as stated above.

Tips

  • Don't kill a snake that didn't attack you. As snakes eat rodents and pests, they help control the population of those creatures that could transmit diseases to humans.
  • If you plan to catch a snake, a safe option is to set a snake trap.
  • Search on line about all the venomous snakes in your area so you have an idea of what they look like, and that will help you identify them if you see them.
  • When you are not sure if a snake is venomous, just assume it is and stay away!
  • Don't step into grass when you don't know if a snake is hiding in there.
  • If you are dealing with spitting cobras, make sure to wash all clothes, camera lens, etc. after you are finished with it, and wear sunglasses.
  • If you're bitten by a non-venomous snake this doesn't mean you're 100% okay, because non-venomous snakes carry diseases and can infect you after you have been bitten.
  • Young venomous snakes will have a bright yellow/lime green tail. A lot of people think a black snake has venom when actually it's not. Black snakes are constrictors.
  • Do not harm a snake if it does not harm you!

Warnings

  • Do not try to grab a snake that is hissing, rattling their tail, or spitting, because that is them giving you a warning to leave them alone or they will strike.
  • If you don't seek medical help right away after getting bitten by a venomous snake, it can lead to death.
  • A snake bite can cause rash, paralysis or even limb loss.

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