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Browse three reviewed snakes at a time. Changing pages does not reload or move you away from the myths below.
Trimorphodon lambda
Potentially venomous
Trimorphodon lambda (Sonoran lyresnake) is a rear-fanged, mildly venomous colubrid native to arid and rocky habitats of the Sonoran region. It is primarily nocturnal and predatory on small vertebrates. Bites to humans are uncommon and typically produce localized symptoms; treat any bite as potentially medically significant and seek care.
Sonora palarostris
No medically significant venom known
Sonoran shovel-nosed snake (Sonora palarostris) is a small, nocturnal, rear-fanged colubrid native to the Sonoran Desert region of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It prefers sandy or loose-soil habitats where it uses a pointed snout to burrow and hunt small prey. It poses minimal medical threat to humans but should be left undisturbed.
Masticophis bilineatus
No medically significant venom known
Masticophis bilineatus (Sonoran whipsnake) is a fast, active, diurnal colubrid found in arid and semiarid habitats of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Baja California. It preys on reptiles, small mammals, birds, and large insects, and is nonvenomous to humans (no medically significant venom known). It is primarily beneficial around homes because it controls pest species but can be defensive 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.