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Browse three reviewed snakes at a time. Changing pages does not reload or move you away from the myths below.
Phyllorhynchus decurtatus
No medically significant venom known
Small, mildly rear-fanged colubrid found in arid deserts and scrub of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. No medically significant venom known; bites are rare and typically produce minor local effects. Secretive, primarily nocturnal, and feeds on small reptiles and their eggs.
Masticophis lateralis
No medically significant venom known
A fast, diurnal, non-venomous colubrid found in dry, open habitats of western North America; primarily preys on lizards and small vertebrates and typically avoids people.
Liodytes alleni
No medically significant venom known
A small, semi-aquatic natricine snake found in freshwater wetlands of the southeastern United States (occurs in CA,US records for database). Often secretive and active in or near shallow water and dense aquatic vegetation.
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.