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Browse three reviewed snakes at a time. Changing pages does not reload or move you away from the myths below.
Storeria victa
No medically significant venom known
Small, nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to peninsular Florida and nearby islands; secretive, often found in leaf litter, under debris, and near wetlands; primarily feeds on earthworms, slugs, and small amphibians; poses no significant threat to people or pets but should be left undisturbed.
Agkistrodon conanti
Venomous
Agkistrodon conanti (Florida cottonmouth) is a semi-aquatic pit viper native to peninsular Florida and nearby regions. It is venomous and should be left alone. Adults are heavy-bodied, often found near water, and may display a gaping, cotton-white mouth as a defensive threat display.
Tantilla relicta
No medically significant venom known
Tantilla relicta (Florida crowned snake) is a small, secretive natricine-like colubrid native to peninsular Florida and adjacent coastal counties. It is fossorial and nocturnal, often found under leaf litter, logs, or debris in pine flatwoods, scrub, hammocks, and sandy soils. Bites to humans are exceedingly rare; venom is not considered medically significant.
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.