photo credited to flickr user Brimac The 2nd

Among snakes there are venomous and nonvenomous types. The venomous snakes are the primary dangers, and the vast majority of them are broken into the elapids and the vipers. Among nonvenomous snakes, the only real dangers are the huge constrictors. Their bites deliver no venom, but can cause infection and the larger constrictors can kill via suffocation.

Among venomous snakes, the most common in the United States are the vipers. The only elapid in the US is the coral snake. The vipers are your rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads. Vipers are noted by having large hypodermic like fangs that are hinged. When the snake strikes outwardly, they then stab the victim and inject venom.

Among the vipers, dry bites are somewhat unusual. It has been estimated that around 20 percent of viper bites are dry. While these figures are far from hard and fast, they give an idea about how you can get bitten by a rattlesnake and have no ill effects. (always assume the snake has injected venom and get medical attention though)

Among the elapids, the dry bites are often much more common. The reason for this is partially because of the fact that many elapids have rear fangs that are much smaller than their viper cousins. They make up for this by having more toxic venom in many cases. Still, the fact that they have more trouble biting cleanly as a group means more dry bites.

Why do snakes deliver dry bites? Some think it is because they are conserving their venom for prey they can actually eat. Some say that it is because their supply may have been just used on a prey item. Some say it is just an accident and the snake did not bite cleanly. The truth? Probably a combination of all of these in some form or fashion.

Even a dry bite can cause medical problems however. All snake bites carry a risk of infection. For this reason, you should get any snake bite checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Better safe than sorry, dry bite or not.

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Mojave Rattlesnake

Venom generally works in two different ways. Most rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths are what is referred to as Pit Vipers. Pit vipers generally have hemorrhagic venom. In simple terms, hemorrhagic venom causes the snake bite victim to bleed to death from the inside. Hemorrhagic venom is also likely to cause massive tissue damage and scarring.

A coral snake, which is closely related to the cobra family, has what is called a neurotoxic venom. Neurotoxic venom attacks the central nervous system and can cause cardiac arrest as well as cessation of breathing. As a rule, neurotoxic venom is much more dangerous than hemorrhagic venom.

One interesting snake is found in the United States is the Mojave rattlesnake. The Mojave rattlesnake actually has both venoms, and is particularly dangerous. All venomous snakes have some level of both types of venom as a rule, but the Mojave has enough of each for both to be a problem.

As a rule, venomous snake bites are not a problem in North America. The odds of coming across a venomous snake in North America are fairly remote unless you find yourself in the wilderness often. Still it is a good idea to keep in mind how venom works, and the dangers that it can create. Venomous snakes are hesitant to use their venom on anything other than a meal. This is because they have precious little venom, and wasting it on an inedible human makes no sense.

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The kingsnake is a constrictor. They are swift and active hunters, and they will pursue their prey into a number of different habitats. This may include rodent burrows, bushes and even along the river beds. Once the kingsnake has found its prey, they strike quickly and wrap them up in their coils. They will then slowly squeeze them to death, tightening their coils each time their prey exhales. They then swallow their prey whole, beginning with the head.

In addition to eating their fellow snakes, Kingsnakes also will dine on any small mammal, birds, frogs and various other amphibians.

The kingsnake comes in many variations and subspecies. They can be every color from red to green and black, and every other color of the rainbow. They commonly have stripes that alternate, and generally grow to about 6 feet at maturity. They are very common in their range and they generally live for about 25 years.

Kingsnake’s vary as to their aggressive nature. Some are feisty biters when captured or cornered, while others seem to be very placid. When the Kingsnake is particularly afraid, they are known to release feces onto their attacker.

Kingsnakes hibernate during the cold season, and the length of time varies depending on where they are located. In the northern part of their range, Kingsnakes will sometimes hibernate for four months or more.

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Eastern Diamondback Picture Credited to TimVickers Wikipedia Commons Public Domain

It is notable that ninety five percent of the snake bites out there are caused by the person trying to handle or kill the snake. Another percentage of people are harmed by their own self while attempting to kill a snake.

It brings to mind the story of a man that went out to kill a rattlesnake in the back yard a couple years ago. He went and grabbed a hoe reportedly to chop off the head. The snake was a eastern diamondback that was reportedly about eight feet long. That is a large snake that was likely highly irritated.

The eastern diamondback is about as deadly as they come in the United States, particularly when they are full grown. The man was over matched to be sure, though he tried anyway to dispose of the snake.

An eight foot rattlesnake is capable of striking at a distance of about half of their body length. Therefore, a rattlesnake that is eight feet long can hit a target that is four feet away. Four feet seemed a safe distance for this man, and he paid for it.

The snake struck him in the lower leg, and the man swung the hoe. The problem was, he stuck the hoe in his leg missing the snake altogether. In his panic, he was struck a second time by the snake before the snake slithered away.

Fortunately, the man lived due to quick action by the EMTs and antivenom, but the point was clear – if you are not a herpetologist or a professional, leave the snakes alone.

If not, you just might get bitten and hoed to death…..

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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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Water Snake On Log

Common water snakes come in all shapes and sizes. In general, common water snakes know that they are not equipped with venom and so they huff and puff and try to make themselves as imposing as possible. This allows them to survive on a lake or river filled with potential dangers. The cottonmouth is well known even to the wildlife surrounding water sources. Most animals know that the cottonmouth has a dangerous bite, and so they avoid them at all costs.

The common water snakes use this to their advantage. They will often gape their mouths open just like a cottonmouth, and puff up their bodies to make themselves appear more large and dangerous. They also are quick to strike and can deliver a nasty, although non-venomous snake bite.

If you are bitten by a water snake, it is still important that you receive medical attention. The bacteria and other dangers that you encounter with a snake bite is much the same as a bite from any wild animal. They can become infected and that can lead to all kinds of problems.

The key to avoiding these water snakes is to understand their habits. Water snakes like to stay hidden, unless they are sunning themselves. They like to do this on top of rocks, tree stumps, fallen trees and the like. If you are near any of these things, particularly around water, then you should be on the lookout for water snakes. This is also true of the cottonmouth of course.

Another key to avoiding water snakes is to be very aware when boating around the edges of the water. Many times these water snakes are in trees overhanging the water. If you drift by and bump a branch, you could easily have a boating surprise drop down into your vessel.

In spite of their aggressive nature, water snakes are just wanting to get away from you. If you leave them alone, they will follow suit as well.

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western blind snake

It might seem hard to believe, but the brahminy blind snake really does resemble a worm.  It is a slender snake, that is considered to be the smallest snake in North America.  This tiny snake is only about 6 inches  long, and has all the appearances of a worm.  The only difference really is that it is smooth and shiny like a snake, and is black in color.

While the brahminy blind snake is often black on top, it is usually a lighter color on the underside of the body.  The tip of the tail can often be yellow as well, much like some of the youngsters of larger species of snakes.  Sometimes the brahminy blind snake has a yellowish tint or white tint under the neck.

While the common earthworm is very similar in many ways, what sets it apart from the brahminy blind snake is the fact that they have segmented bodies.  While most snakes have a difference in size around the neck area, the brahminy blind snake does not.  They shed just like a regular snake, however, and are aided in this by the fact that they are burrowing snakes.  When they burrow, the skin sheds easier.

Young brahminy blind snakes are very much identical to the adults, but are even smaller.  A baby blind snake is only about two inches long.

The brahminy blind snake must have moisture in the soil that it burrows to survive.  If it does not have this moisture, it will eventually dry up.  For this reason, brahminy blind snakes seek out odd places to burrow at times.  They are not shy about taking up residence in your potted plants, and will be happy to make an appearance when you least expect it.

So what does the brahminy blind snake eat?  Because of it’s tiny size, the brahminy primarily eats termites, insect larvae, and tiny tiny insects.

The brahminy blind snake was originally Asian, but ended up prominent in the United States along the way. They prefer warm, tropical locales, and so they are found in Florida in large numbers.  The also are found in Mexico and Hawaii as well.  Most herpetologists agree that they found their way around the world via the potted plants that are shipped around.  Whatever the case, they have become a fairly wide spread species of snake.

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Common garter snakes are some of the most common snakes found in the United States. They are the snake you are most likely to encounter in most suburban areas.   As such, many people wonder about the garter snake and whether they are dangerous.   Many garter snakes are needlessly killed annually because of the misconception that all snakes are dangerous. Here are the things you need to know about garter snakes:

Are Common Garter Snakes Dangerous?

Garter snakes are harmless in all of their various species.  There are many different species of garter snake, and they are all nonvenomous.  This does not mean that a garter snake can not hurt you.  It means that they are harmless from a venom standpoint.  Garter snakes can bite, and sometimes do.  When they bite, like any wild animal bite, the bite can become infected.  As such, garter snakes can give you a painful little bite.  All garter snake bites (any snake bites) should be cleaned and tended for infection protection.  On the whole, garter snakes are completely harmless.

Where Do You Find The Common Garter Snake?

Garter snakes can be found in many different habitats and in many places in the world depending on the species.  The most common garter snakes are found in grasslands, neighborhood back yards, and in the woods.  They are very adaptable snakes on the whole, and a garter snake might just turn up anywhere given the chance.

How Big Do Common Garter Snakes Get?

Garter snakes generally run about 5 ft tops and about as big around as a thick thumb.  They are not large snakes, but they can grow large if the circumstances are right.  Garter snakes are among the most beautiful snakes on the whole.

How Do You Identify A Common Garter Snake?

The common garter snake has a very rounded nose, and a black or brown ground color.  The common garter snake also has a series of yellow stripes running long ways down their backs, and the shades of these colors can vary wildly due to age, species, and location.  Their are many other types of garter snakes that can look much different as well.

What Does The Common Garter Snake Eat?

The common garter snake eats salamandars, lizards, earthworms, and any other small prey they can catch and kill.  They are quite adept at finding unique food, and often prey on whatever is available in their range.

Are Common Garter Snakes Generally Biters?

Garter snakes are often kept as pets, and many of these are caught in the wild initially.  When you catach a garter snake in the wild, they are likely to try to bite as would any wild animal being taken from their natural habitat.  Though the garter snake is generally fiesty at first, they end up being very docile as a rule.  If you leave them alone in the wild, they almost never bite.

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Snakes as pets is not a new hobby to say the least.  One of the most popular snakes that people keep as pets is the yellow rat snake. This snake is readily found in the wild, and around farms in particular.  The yellow rat snake can be kind of tough to identify, however.  This article is for those people that want to identify the yellow rat snake in the wild, and possibly even keep them as pets.

The yellow rat snake has no venom like the pit vipers and other dangerous snakes in the United States.  Still, they are very feisty in the wild, and will bite readily.  As such, pet owners should really consider getting a yellow rat snake that was born in captivity. They are much more likely to be docile, and they surely would be easier to attain.  Still, a wild yellow rat snake is sometimes docile as well.

Yellow rat snakes can vary wildly in color as well.  This can lead to misidentification, and sometimes to dangerous misidentification.  This variation in color is due to regional location, as well as the age of the snake.  Here are some details about the yellow rat snake that can help you to understand and identify them better:

The first thing is to make sure the yellow rat snake is even located in your area.  They are generally foun din the southeast, from about South Carolina down to Florida.  They are very common in these areas, but they are also excellent at hiding from you when you are looking for them.  As mentioned, farms are a wonderful place to find the yellow rat snake, and this is because they are natural exterminators for mice and rats.  A yellow rat snake is true to their name… they eat the mice like crazy.  They can also be found in the woods, however, and anywhere that you might find mice.  Yes, that means in the house too if you have indoor mice.

In the North, the yellow rat snake is actually the black rat snake.  They are essentially the same snake that is colored different and in different locations.

Yellow rat snakes are most commonly yellow, but they can also be brown, black and any other color of the rainbow.  They always have four brown lines that run down the length of their bodies. The rat snake is a constrictor and is capable of powerful squeezes for their size.  They constrict their prey by wrapping around the prey, and slowly squeezing more and more as the prey struggles to breathe.  They then swallow the prey starting at the head, and working their way down the body.

While the yellow rat snake is harmless overall, it can deliver a nasty bite to you.  Any snakebite is important to have checked out at the doctor, simply because snakes eat carrion sometimes, and vermin.  Vermin carry disease, and it is better to be safe than sorry.  The yellow rat snake is generally a very laid back snake as a pet once they become used to you.  Again, consider having a yellow rat snake that was raised in captivity if you truly want a docile snake for a pet.

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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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