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Browse three reviewed snakes at a time. Changing pages does not reload or move you away from the myths below.
Bogertophis rosaliae
No medically significant venom known
Bogertophis rosaliae, commonly called the Baja California Ratsnake, is a slender, primarily nocturnal colubrid found in northwestern Mexico and historically reported near the U.S. border. It is a nonvenomous constrictor that feeds on small mammals, birds, and lizards and is most often associated with arid scrub and rocky habitats.
Sonora cincta
No medically significant venom known
Sonora cincta is a small, secretive colubrid commonly called the Banded Sandsnake or Greater Sand Snake. It inhabits sandy and arid scrub habitats in the southwestern United States, northern Mexico, and adjacent areas of California. Non-aggressive and primarily fossorial, it feeds on small reptiles and invertebrates. Not considered dangerous to humans; no medically significant venom is known. Homeowners should avoid handling and prevent access to buildings and pets by exclusion and habitat modification.
Salvadora deserticola
No medically significant venom known
Salvadora deserticola (Big Bend patchnose snake) — a slender, fast-moving, non-venomous colubrid found in arid and scrubby habitats of the southwestern United States, northern Mexico, and adjacent regions of California. Diurnal and primarily active hunting small reptiles and eggs; generally non-aggressive but will flee or employ bluff behaviors if cornered.
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.