Snake myths, practical clues, and safer decisions.

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Published snake guide

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177 published

Common Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

No medically significant venom known

Fast, diurnal, non-venomous colubrid native to southern North America; slender, long-bodied and active hunter that feeds on lizards, small mammals, birds, and eggs. Often mistaken for other long thin snakes due to variable coloration and patterning; will flee when encountered but can deliver quick bites if handled or restrained.

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

No medically significant venom known

Thamnophis sirtalis — common gartersnake — is a widespread, chiefly diurnal, semi-aquatic colubrid found across much of North America. Typically non-aggressive toward humans, it forages for amphibians, fish, and invertebrates and often occurs near water and human-altered habitats. It can bite if threatened and may secrete a foul-smelling musk; it is not considered to possess medically significant venom for humans, though mild oral anticoagulant effects have been reported in some populations. Homeowners should avoid direct contact and exclude snakes from buildings using simple habitat modification and sealing entry points.

Common Scarletsnake

Cemophora coccinea

No medically significant venom known

Cemophora coccinea (Common scarletsnake) is a small, non-aggressive colubrid native to parts of the southeastern United States and extreme southern Ontario. It mimics the coloration of venomous coral snakes but is nonvenomous to humans; it feeds primarily on reptile eggs and small reptiles. Typically secretive and nocturnal in warm months, it is encountered under logs, debris, and in leaf litter.