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Browse three reviewed snakes at a time. Changing pages does not reload or move you away from the myths below.
Thamnophis gigas
No medically significant venom known
Thamnophis gigas — Giant Gartersnake: a semi-aquatic, non-front-fanged colubrid native to wetlands of California and nearby US/Canadian-designated regions; primarily feeds on amphibians and fish, is largely diurnal during warmer months, and is state/threatened-protected in parts of its range.
Arizona elegans
No medically significant venom known
Medium-sized nonvenomous colubrid native to arid and semi-arid western North America; typically nocturnal and secretive, feeds on small reptiles and rodents, and may be found under rocks, in burrows, or near agave and mesquite vegetation.
Liodytes rigida
No medically significant venom known
Liodytes rigida (Glossy Swampsnake) is a small, semi-aquatic natricine snake found in southeastern North America. It inhabits wetlands, marshes, swamps, and slow-moving freshwater bodies where it preys mainly on amphibians and small fish. Non-aggressive toward humans but will flee; not considered medically dangerous.
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.