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Browse three reviewed snakes at a time. Changing pages does not reload or move you away from the myths below.
Contia tenuis
No medically significant venom known
Small, secretive, non-aggressive natricine snake found in moist forested and coastal habitats of western North America; primarily feeds on slugs and small invertebrates. Rarely encountered; not considered medically dangerous but should not be handled.
Thamnophis brachystoma
No medically significant venom known
Short-headed gartersnake (Thamnophis brachystoma) is a small, semi-aquatic natricine snake found in parts of Canada and the United States. It frequents wetlands and moist habitats and feeds mainly on amphibians and their larvae. It is not considered dangerously venomous but can produce mild oral secretions; avoid handling.
Lampropeltis extenuata
No medically significant venom known
Lampropeltis extenuata — commonly called the Short-tailed Kingsnake — is a small, secretive colubrid native to parts of the southeastern United States and adjacent Canada records. It is nonvenomous to humans and kills prey by constriction. Typically associated with sandy pine-oak or scrub habitats, it is primarily nocturnal or crepuscular and feeds on small reptiles and amphibians. Human encounters are rare due to its secretive habits and short, stubby tail.
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.