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Browse three reviewed snakes at a time. Changing pages does not reload or move you away from the myths below.
Agkistrodon laticinctus
Venomous
Agkistrodon laticinctus is a venomous pit viper found in parts of Mexico and southern Texas, characterized by broad dark crossbands on a lighter background and a triangular head. It is primarily nocturnal in hot weather, ambushes small vertebrate prey, and delivers hemotoxic venom that can cause significant local tissue injury and systemic symptoms in humans.
Nerodia taxispilota
No medically significant venom known
Nerodia taxispilota (Brown Watersnake) is a nonvenomous, aquatic colubrid native to southeastern North America that inhabits slow-moving freshwater systems. Often defensive when threatened, it can bite and release musk/anal fluid. It helps control fish and amphibian populations and is commonly encountered along shorelines and in shallow water.
Thamnophis butleri
No medically significant venom known
Butler's gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri) is a small, slender natricine snake found in parts of the upper Midwestern United States and adjacent Ontario, Canada. Diurnal and secretive, it prefers moist grasslands and wet meadow edges. Non-aggressive toward people but will flee; bite risk is low and no medically significant venom is known. Homeowners should avoid handling, reduce rodent attractants, and maintain habitat modifications to discourage snakes from yards.
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.