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Browse three reviewed snakes at a time. Changing pages does not reload or move you away from the myths below.
Lampropeltis nigra
No medically significant venom known
Medium-bodied, nonvenomous colubrid native to the southeastern and south-central United States. Black or very dark brown dorsally with faint or absent patterning; belly strongly patterned in a black-and-white checkerboard. Constrictor that feeds on rodents, birds, other snakes, and reptiles. Generally secretive and found in woodlands, fields, and edges near water and human structures.
Micrurus fulvius
Venomous
Venomous, brightly colored coral snake of southeastern U.S. with potent neurotoxic venom; generally reclusive and non-aggressive but can deliver dangerous bites if handled or provoked. Found in pine flatwoods, mixed hardwood forests, scrub, and edges with abundant leaf litter or loose soil; often near logs, rodent burrows, and old fields.
Crotalus adamanteus
Venomous
Large, heavy-bodied pit viper native to the southeastern United States, characterized by dark diamond-shaped dorsal blotches with lighter borders and a distinctive rattle on the tail. Highly venomous — capable of delivering large venom quantities. Primarily terrestrial; basks in sunlight and uses camouflage to ambush prey.
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.