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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 tigris
Venomous
Crotalus tigris, commonly known as the Tiger Rattlesnake, is a small to medium-sized pitviper native to arid and rocky deserts in southwestern North America. It is venomous and should be avoided; bites can cause significant local tissue damage and systemic effects requiring medical care. Individuals are secretive and often found in rocky slopes, washes, and desert scrub where they prey primarily on lizards and small mammals.
Crotalus horridus
Venomous
Crotalus horridus — Timber Rattlesnake. A large, heavy-bodied pitviper native to eastern North America; venomous, primarily a sit-and-wait predator of small mammals. Generally avoids people but will defend itself if threatened. Found in forests, rocky ridges, and ledges. Important to give space, secure pets and livestock, and contact professionals for removal or treatment of a bite.
Tantilla cucullata
No medically significant venom known
Tantilla cucullata (Trans-Pecos black-headed snake) is a small, secretive colubrid native to parts of the southwestern United States, northern Mexico, and extreme southern California regions. It is primarily nocturnal and fossorial, often found under rocks, debris, or in leaf litter. Bites are extremely rare and, while the species has mild venom for subduing tiny prey, it is not known to be medically significant to humans. Exercise caution and avoid handling if encountered.
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.