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Browse three reviewed snakes at a time. Changing pages does not reload or move you away from the myths below.
Nerodia sipedon
No medically significant venom known
Nerodia sipedon (Common Watersnake) is a nonvenomous, heavy-bodied aquatic snake found in and near freshwater bodies across much of the eastern and central United States and southern Canada. It is often mistaken for venomous water-associated snakes, is defensive when threatened, and commonly basks or hunts near shorelines for fish and amphibians.
Carphophis amoenus
No medically significant venom known
Small, secretive fossorial snake native to eastern North America that feeds on soft-bodied invertebrates and poses no medically significant venom risk to humans.
Nerodia paucimaculata
No medically significant venom known
Nerodia paucimaculata (Concho watersnake) is a nonvenomous, semi-aquatic natricine snake endemic to the Concho River system in west-central Texas and recorded in nearby parts of New Mexico and adjacent areas; primarily associated with springs, streams, and rivers with abundant cover. It is secretive, primarily nocturnal to crepuscular in warm months, and feeds mainly on fish and amphibians.
Juvenile venomous snakes can deliver medically significant bites, but the common claim that they are automatically more dangerous because they cannot control venom delivery is not supported as a general rule. Adult snakes usually have larger venom glands and can deliver a larger total amount.
Bottom line: Treat every suspected venomous snakebite as a medical emergency, regardless of the snake’s age.
Head shape alone is unreliable. Many nonvenomous snakes flatten or widen the head defensively, and viewing angle can change the apparent shape.
Bottom line: Do not approach a snake to inspect its head. Use multiple traits, location, and a safe-distance photograph.
Tourniquets can worsen tissue injury and are not recommended for typical United States snakebites. Emergency evaluation is more important.
Bottom line: Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Keep the person calm and do not cut, suck, ice, or tourniquet the bite.
Young copperheads can have a contrasting yellow or greenish tail tip used in caudal luring. It is soft and tapered, not a segmented rattle. The bright color usually fades with age.
Bottom line: Never move closer to inspect the tail. The feature is a clue, not permission to approach or handle the snake.
Several non-rattlesnake species vibrate their tails when threatened. Dry leaves can make the sound resemble a rattle.
Bottom line: A defensive tail vibration does not identify the species. Keep your distance.