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Browse three reviewed snakes at a time. Changing pages does not reload or move you away from the myths below.
Crotalus ruber
Venomous
Crotalus ruber (Red Diamond Rattlesnake) — a large, stout-bodied rattlesnake of southwestern California, Baja California, and adjacent Sonoran Desert areas. Venomous; can deliver medically significant hemotoxic and neurotoxic effects. Typically avoids humans but will defend itself if threatened; rattle warns of proximity.
Farancia abacura
No medically significant venom known
A nonvenomous, aquatic to semi-aquatic colubrid native to the southeastern United States and adjacent parts of North America, recognized by glossy black or blue-black dorsal coloration and a bright red or pink belly; often found in swamps, marshes, and slow-moving waterways where it feeds primarily on amphibians (especially salamanders) and fish.
Storeria occipitomaculata
No medically significant venom known
Small, nonvenomous colubrid found in eastern North America with a characteristic red or orange belly and brown/gray dorsum; secretive, primarily eats slugs and earthworms, and poses no medically significant venom risk to humans.
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.