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Browse three reviewed snakes at a time. Changing pages does not reload or move you away from the myths below.
Pituophis catenifer
No medically significant venom known
Pituophis catenifer is a large, nonvenomous colubrid native to western North America, commonly called the gopher snake. It is a constrictor that helps control rodent populations and is frequently found in grasslands, agricultural areas, and edges of human development.
Regina grahamii
No medically significant venom known
Graham's crayfish snake (Regina grahamii) is a small, nonvenomous, semi-aquatic natricine snake native to central North America that specializes on freshwater crayfish and is most active near streams, marshes, and wetlands.
Lampropeltis alterna
No medically significant venom known
Lampropeltis alterna — Gray-banded Kingsnake: a nonvenomous colubrid native to parts of the southwestern United States and northeastern Mexico, recognizable by gray- or tan-banded body with darker edging. Terrestrial to semi-fossorial, active mostly at dusk/night in hot months and during the day in cooler periods. Constrictor that feeds on reptiles and small mammals; poses no medically significant venom risk to humans but should not be handled by untrained people.
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.