How to Identify Poisonous Snakes
- 1). In the United States there are four kinds of poisonous snakes: rattlesnakes, coral snakes, cottonmouths and copperheads. All can vary in color and size depending on their geographic location so color patterns are not always the best identifying techniques. Diamond shaped heads and elliptical pupils are usually indicators of poisonous snakes.
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All rattlesnakes have rattles at the end of their tails. These are used to warn and hopefully scare away any enemy. There are many snakes that attempt to mimic rattlesnakes by shaking their tails in leaves but if there are no rattles then it's not a rattlesnake. Rattlesnakes will have elliptical pupils and diamond shaped heads. - 3
The coral snake is the recluse of the snakes. It's very shy and rarely bites. There are many snakes that look like the coral snake so look for the black, yellow and red bands, yellow head with a black stripe over the nose. Remember, "red and yellow kill a fella, red and black, friend of Jack. Coral snakes do not have the triangular shaped heads and elliptical pupil like most poisonous snakes have. - 4
Cottonmouths, also called water moccasins, are usually present near water but can also be found on dry land. They are usually dark black and sometimes have diamond patterns along their back. They get their name from their mouths, which when opened are very white. They have a white stripe along the sides of their diamond shaped head and have elliptical pupils. - 5
Copperheads usually have a dull diamond pattern copper colored appearance and blend in perfectly with dead leaves. They can resemble cottonmouths sometimes, especially the juveniles.
