The diamond rattlesnake in Kentucky looks like a simple rattlesnake, but it is bigger. Studies are trying to determine if this is the result of climate changes. We are talking about an established specie of snakes in United States, but the appearance of this snake in Kentucky raised the curiosity of the specialists, especially because it seems like this specie of rattlesnake has some uncommon characteristics.

The diamond rattlesnake in Kentucky has a length of 3 feet, but the adults can grow larger. As the snake is new in Kentucky, it is impossible to determine its life duration. As for the harmful proprieties of the venom, although this snake releases a bigger quantity with the bite, it has the same harmful effect. It is better to prevent a bite of this kind, as some of the antivenin options are not so effective.

It is rumored that the diamondback rattlesnake was brought to Kentucky by particular breeders to create a new habitat for this snake. As it is on the verge of disappearing, this could be a method to protect this endangered specie. On the other hand, forcing a new breed in a habitat might be dangerous for other animals living in the area, especially when we are talking about an effective predator such as the diamondback rattlesnake.

The diamond rattlesnake in Kentucky is not an aggressive specie, although it would not refuse a fight. The snake usually hides in front of dangers, but sometimes you could find it in a semi-dormant state. This is a dangerous scenario, as the snake will not hear you, so you might step on it accidentally. Moreover, you could also step on it during the night, as the diamondback rattlesnake is capable of seeing any warm blooded being in the dark.

The diamondback rattlesnake prefers the sunny areas and rocks in the vicinity of waters. The unusual movement type with lateral arching (also called sidewinder) is the result of their adaptability to the environment. This kind of movement is also able to mislead the predators, as the traces left on sand are almost impossible to follow.

The diamondback rattlesnake can reach a length of 1.5 meters. Although it is a reptile, this kind of rattlesnake changes its skin several times a year, and the “bell” at the extremity of the tail is formed by thick rings made of skin.

At its birth, the rattlesnake has only two rings. The others are added with each change of skin. When the rattlesnake feels the danger, the tail starts to vibrate, and you should really be careful when you hear this sound. However, the snake can be 20-30 meters away, so you would better start scouting the area. The venom is really dangerous, and the diamondback rattlesnake can kill a cow with a single bite in a few hours.

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"Timber Rattlesnake", photo authors: Clinton & Charles Robertson

While Kentucky is known for its bluegrass, thoroughbred horses, and country music stars, it is also home to dozens of snake species.  Among the 32 snake species found in “The Bluegrass State,” four are venomous.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) compiled a report of all 32 venomous and non-venomous snakes found in Kentucky.  Based on information gathered from the KDFWR’s Kentucky Snakes booklet, here methods of identifying Kentucky’s venomous snakes, as well as profiles of the 4 venomous snakes found in Kentucky.

How to Identify Kentucky’s Venomous Snakes

All of Kentucky’s venomous snakes belong in a group known as “pit vipers.”  In the Kentucky Snakes booklet, the KDFWR provided a couple of tips for distinguishing between Kentucky’s venomous and non-venomous snakes.

• Kentucky’s pit vipers have a sensory “pit” found on the side of the head in between the nostril and eye.
• Venomous snakes have vertically shaped pupils.

In addition, Kentucky’s four venomous snakes all have heads shaped like spades, in which the neck of the snake is not as wide as the back of the head.  However, this is not a definite source of venomous snake identification, in that several species of non-venomous snakes can defensively flatten their heads into a similar triangular shape.

Kentucky’s 4 Venomous Snakes

1. Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)

This snake can be found in every corner of Kentucky.  It is also one of the most commonly misidentified snakes, because of its various shades of coloring that are similar to many of Kentucky’s non-venomous snakes.  The copperhead can be found in lengths ranging from a few inches, to over 3 feet.  They usually feed on small mammals like mice, but have been known to eat lizards, frogs, etc.

While the coloring of a copperhead can vary from a quite literal reddish-copper color, to shades of brown, this snake species is most clearly identified by the distinctly shaped pattern on its body.  The pattern is most commonly described as “hourglass,” in that the bands are wider at the sides and narrower in the middle.

2. Western Cottonmouth (Akistrodon piscivorus leucostoma)

This snake – found in the Western part of the state – is similar in length to the copperhead, although the longest Western cottonmouths can reach nearly 4 feet in length.  It is a nondescript, dark-colored snake which can be difficult to identify on appearance alone.  Young cottonmouths have a body pattern similar to that of a copperhead, but much of this pattern fades with age.

You can typically find these snakes near water.  Western cottonmouths feed on a wide variety of prey including various rodents and even other snakes.  If cottonmouths feel threatened they will bare the inside of their white-colored mouths.  Cottonmouths will also vibrate their tails as a defense mechanism.

3. Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

The timber rattlesnake is the king of the state’s venomous snakes as far as size is concerned.  These monsters can grow up to 5 feet in length, and are heavy-bodied.  Sometimes timber rattlesnakes can be solid black, but they are often yellow, gray, brown, or have a greenish color, with a darker shade of band that crosses the body.

Timber rattlesnakes can be found in the woods of Kentucky in most every area except for parts of Central and Northern Kentucky.  These snakes are not aggressive by nature, and will lie in wait for their next meal to approach, which is most often a squirrel.

4. Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius steckeri)

This tiny snake – only averaging between 5-20 inches in size – is only found in three specific counties in Kentucky: Calloway, Trigg, and Lyon.  Thus far, the Western pygmy rattlesnake has not been extensively studied in the state of Kentucky, so much of the information gathered by the KDFWR was from pygmy rattlesnake behaviors exhibited in other locations.

Like the cottonmouth, the pygmy rattlesnake is typically found around water.  The pygmy is a lighter grayish-brown color, and has dark-patterned spots on its body.  It may have rusty-colored bars or stripes along its back.  Like other venomous snakes, the pygmy rattlesnake likes to feed on rodents, and even preys on small snakes and frogs.

In a state known for recreation and outdoor activities, it is important to provide education about potentially dangerous wildlife, instead of inciting fear based on exaggerated notions or facts.  Unprovoked attacks from these venomous snakes is highly unlikely.  In fact, only around 10 deaths occur annually in the U.S. from venomous snake bites.

If you see any of these snakes, or think that you have seen one keep your distance, do not try to capture or kill the snake, and contact the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources at 1-800-858-1549 for further information.  In the rare case that you are bitten by a venomous snake, please seek medical attention immediately.

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Image Credited to Flickr User mango atchar

The rock python has been known to exceed twenty feet in length, and they are a heavy bodied snake. While they are not venomous, they do have a number of very dangerous teeth that can deliver quite a nasty bite. The real power for this snake, however, is in it’s coils. The Asian rock python is a constrictor in that they squeeze the life out of their prey before swallowing them whole.

They like to live in valleys, heavily forested areas, and even out in wide open clearings where food is available. They always live close to a water source.

The rock python primarily eats rodents, birds, other snakes and reptiles, and small mammals. Once they get larger, they might take much larger prey. Some rock pythons have been known to attempt eating caymen, and even the occasional young jaguar.

While the rock python is not generally considered to be a big danger to humans, they are certainly capable of harming us. Given the opportunity, they can be deadly. Give this snake a wide berth if you come into contact with one.

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- The mojave usually has white and black bands on the tail. The white bands tend to be larger than the black. The western also has this pattern, but he bands tend to be the same size.

- The mojave sometimes takes on a greenish tint in color, whereas the western diamondback does not.

- The western diamondback tends to be a good deal larger, but this is misleading because of variance in ages.

- The mojave lacks the banding around the eyes that the western normally has.

- Both species are highly aggressive and bite readily.

- Both species are dangerous particularly in spring, when they arise from hibernation and are hungry.

- The mojave tends to bite first and rattle later. The western diamondback usually will warn the rattle in advance. This is far from one hundred percent, but just a general observation based on case studies.

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The Copperhead

The family of rattlesnakes, of which there are many subspecies, are among the more deadly along with the coral snake. The coral snake is not quite as dangerous simply because they are not encountered nearly as often, and when they do they are not as quick to bite. The cottonmouth is a fairly plentiful species, and they are certainly not afraid to bite, but they are found primarily in the Southern part of the US. The copperhead is spread all over. They are quick to bite if stepped on or messed with.

Another key factor with copperhead venomous snake bites is that they are found where the people are. Copperheads will set up in residential neighborhoods, farms, and even small forests that line the neighborhoods. If you see a venomous snake around your home, the chances are very high that it is a copperhead. Because of this proximity to people, the copperhead snake bite is the most common venomous snake bite in the United States.

The bite of the copperhead can range from very mild to highly dangerous. Most healthy adults will not have a serious problem with copperhead snake bites. Children, the elderly or anyone with a compromised immune system however can have major reactions to copperhead snake bite venom. As such, any copperhead snake bite should be viewed as a medical emergency. You should head to the emergency room as soon as possible if you are bitten by this snake.

The copperhead is by and large a very harmless snake that wants no part of people. They provide a wonderful service to our ecosystem, and without these snakes we would likely be overrun with vermin and things of this nature.

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The Gaboon Viper

The snake is fat and stout, but it is still rather quick with the strike. A gaboon viper’s bite is nothing like their slow movements. When they do bite, it is with the longest fangs in the snake world at close to two inches long! To read more exciting information about the gaboon viper, please check out this article about the gaboon viper.

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Boomslang Pic Credited to Wikipedia User William Warby from London, England

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The burmese python is one of the most legendary snakes in the world.  In past generations, parts of the world have even worshipped this huge constrictor.  The burmese python is a serious contender for any size competition, and it is famous for being one of the most popular large snake pets in the world.  The burmese python is a beautiful example of natural beauty, and are breathtaking to see in real life.  Here is all you would want to know about the incredible burmese python:

Are Burmese Pythons Dangerous?

Burmese pythons are one of the most widely kept large snakes in the world, and this is partly due to their docile nature.  They are not nearly as aggressive as some of the other large snakes such as anacondas, and reticultated pythons.  Still, when you are dealing with a burmese python, you are dealing with a huge snake.  Burmese pythons are constrictors, and they have been known to kill people.

The burmese python is not a venomous snake.  They instead rely on their massive size, and the ability to squeeze the life out of their prey.  They latch on with rows of backwards teeth, and wrap up.  They then squeeze gradually harder until the prey is suffocated.  This danger is real in particular for kids, elderly, and smaller humans.  Even large humans have fallen prey to the burmese python.

Where Do You Find The Burmese Python?

The burmese python is found naturally in the grasslands and jungles of  Asia.  They prefer to stay in the trees as youngsters, but as they age and grow larger, tree climbing becomes more difficult.  The Burmese python will also take to the water and swim despite their massive size.

How Big Do Burmese Pythons Get?

Legend says that burmese pythons can grow to up to 50 feet.  The truth is that burmese pythons are more likely to be between 16 and 25 feet.  The thing about the burmese python is that they get extremely fat.  The heaviest known snake in the world is a burmese, and she is over 400 pounds.  Most are only about 200 pounds.

How Do You Identify A Burmese Python?

The burmese python is not often confused with many other species because of size.  They are generally a brownish color with a beautiful pattern of yellow in between the plates.  The burmese python also has a very large head that is quite powerful as well.

What Does The Burmese Python Eat?

Burmese pythons are carnivores, and eat most anything that is warm blooded.  They eat small mammals, and sometimes will even bring down larger prey as well.  They have stretching ligaments in their jaws that allow them to swallow huge prey whole….headfirst.

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I learned to respect this snake while watching an episode of Crocodile Hunter.  Steve Irwin, who swam and wrestled salt water crocs, was literally terrified of this huge snake.  I figure if the Crocodile Hunter fears the reticulated python, then maybe I should too.  So I started researching on the reticulated python (that is what I do when I fear something).

Usually, when I research a snake I find out that the truth is not really all that scary.  Not so with the reticulated python.  This Asian snake has killed and ….. yes even consumed people.  As a rule, pythons and other large snakes such as anacondas do not view us as a food source.  In spite of this, the reticulated python has been known to eat humans.  A reticulated python would have quite a problem consuming a full sized human being, but a child or smaller human would be no problem at all.  Any sized human being can be killed by the reticulated python however.  They are that big and strong.

So just how big do they get?  They have been reported to be as long as 30+ feet.  There are several reticulated pythons in captivity that are in excess of 25 feet and these bad boys can weigh in excess of 300 pounds.  Now that is a lot of snake.

The reticulated python is generally considered to be the longest snake in the world, while the anaconda is considered the largest because of the massive girth.  (they also are rumored to grow to huge lengths)  It really depends on the source as to which snake is actually the largest.

One thing is a given with reticulated pythons.  They are far too large and far too dangerous to disrespect one.  Give them the same large berth that you would to any other dangerous creature.  Your life would likely depend on it.

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Indian Cobra Courtesy of Wikipedia user Kamalnv

The big four venomous snakes in Asia are the four snakes that are most common to kill. These snakes are all quick to bite and can be deadly in a very short period of time.  What truly makes the big four dangerous, however, is the fact that they are all found in and around the human population.  This leads to more venomous snake bites than in most countries, and in turn, more deaths.

Each of these powerful venomous snakes are capable of killing a human, and each of them can be readily found throughout the cities of India.  These venomous snakes are kind of a win/lose situation for the residents there – on the one hand they keep the vermin population in check, and on the other they are deadly if you are bitten.  Anti-venin is available widely throughout India in the event of a snake bite, and is a must if you are bitten by these big four snakes.

You will notice that the lengendary king cobra is not on this list of the big four.  The reason?  The king cobra is a reclusive snake that is content to hang out in the jungle.  For this reason, they do not come in contact with the people of India nearly as often.  Therefore they are not as dangerous.  A bite from a king cobra is as deadly as they come, but they are just much rarer.

Here are some interesting notes about each of the big four venomous snakes of Asia:

The Indian Cobra – also called a monocled cobra.  The Indian cobra is the cobra of legend that has a pair of monocled glasses on it’s back.  They are quite venomous, and will bite readily if you surprise or harrass them.  This is the snake that is used by snake charmers in India.

Russell's Viper Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons User Saleem Hameed

The Russell’s Viper – This snake is one of the most feared snakes in Asia.  One reason is because the snake is so tough to see, and so quick to bite.  They will strike without warning, and deliver a highly potent painful deadly snake bite.  The Russell’s viper is no joke in India.

The Saw-Scaled Viper – This little buggar is interesting in that it sounds much like a small rattlesnake.  The sound that it makes comes from rubbing it’s own scales against one another to create a buzzing noise.  This noise is sure to get people’s attention in India as they know the danger of this highly aggressive viper.

The Common Krait – Another potentially deadly snake that is famous in India.  It appears this

Saw Scaled Viper

snake is prone to climbing into bed with you in pursuit of a rodent or other vermin.  This is not a nightime surprise I would want to experience.  The common Krait is a beautiful but potentially deadly reptile.

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