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Browse three reviewed snakes at a time. Changing pages does not reload or move you away from the myths below.
Opheodrys carinatus
No medically significant venom known
A small, slender, primarily arboreal green colubrid found in peninsular Florida and adjacent coastal areas; relies on camouflage in foliage and feeds on insects and small ectotherms.
Charina bottae
No medically significant venom known
Charina bottae (Rubber Boa) is a small, nonvenomous, fossorial/semifossorial constrictor native to western North America. It is generally secretive, slow-moving, and avoids confrontation. Often found under cover objects, in loose soil, rock crevices, or logs. Not aggressive; may curl into a defensive posture hiding its head. Not dangerous to people but should not be handled or restrained by untrained individuals.
Phyllorhynchus browni
No medically significant venom known
Phyllorhynchus browni (Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake) is a small, secretive, primarily nocturnal snake of arid and semi-arid habitats in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Baja California. It feeds mainly on lizards and small vertebrates, is rear-fanged with no known medically significant venom to humans, and is non-aggressive. It is uncommon to encounter due to secretive habits and typically poses minimal risk if left undisturbed.
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.