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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The Cottonmouth

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Eastern Diamondback Picture Credited to TimVickers Wikipedia Commons Public Domain

Trying to figure out which is the deadliest snake is difficult. The reason for this is because you have to take into account a number of factors. For example, the coral snake is largely considered to have the most “deadly” venom, but they much more unusual to come across than say a cottonmouth. Also, the coral snake does not have the venom delivery system of the average rattlesnake. They have smaller fangs that are located in the rear of their mouth. While the coral snake can and does bite and deliver venom, it is much harder to do so than a rattlesnake with large fangs that can penetrate boots.

With this in mind, the two snakes that jump out at me are the Western Diamondback and the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnakes. The Mojave rattlesnake would likely be right there with these two if it were a bit more common, and more widespread. They are found in a pretty focused area that is often not inhabited by human beings. This leads to fewer bites, and therefore precludes their being included as one of the deadliest.

The Western Diamondback has no such qualms. They are around plenty of humans and do plenty of biting when compared to the majority of venomous snakes. Their venom is powerful, and they deliver the bite with large fangs that can give a large dose of that deadly venom. Many consider the Western Diamondback to be the deadliest snake in the United States.

For my money, the Eastern Diamondback is about as deadly as they come. This is not only the deadliest snake in America in my opinion, it is also the largest venomous snake as well. They grown big, fat, and can have a nasty disposition when they are bothered. The venom glands are huge on the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and they are not shy about injecting that venom.

Of all the snakes in America, I call the Eastern Diamondback the deadliest overall. The Western diamondback is a close second, with the Mojave close behind them.

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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 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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Copperhead

Perhaps no other venomous snake in North America is more widely confused than the copperhead.  The copperhead actually has three different subspecies throughout North America.  These subspecies are all quite similar, and all venomous.  The copperhead snake is also the most common snakebite in North America among the dangerous snakes.  This fascinating reptile is not the evil serpent people think.

How Dangerous is The Copperhead

The copperhead has venom that is roughly half the toxicity of a rattlesnake.  Additionally, the copperhead also has relatively small fangs and delivers a much smaller amount of venom.  Because of these factors, the copperhead often is a much less serious snake bite than that of the cottonmouth or rattlesnake.  Still, as with any snake bite, it is considered a medical emergency and can be extremely dangerous.  The copperhead is not a ready biter, but will bite if it feels threatened.  Often, people accidentally step on them due to their fantastic talent of blending with their surroundings.  The vast number of a copperhead bite victims never see the snake.

Copperhead

Where Do You Find The Copperhead

The copperhead is found throughout the United States and is the most widely distributed venomous snake in the country.  They like to hang out in brush, under leaves, and anywhere that they can find a meal.  They are also the most likely venomous snake to encounter around your home.  The copperhead is very adaptive in this way.

What Does The Copperhead Look Like and How Big Do They Get?

A copperhead snake will generally grow to a maximum of about three feet.  They all have copper colored heads, and have a ground color of pink, brown, or even tan depending on the subspecies.  They have triangular shaped heads, and the trademark facial pits that pit vipers are known for.  They also have markings that are smaller around the spine and widen as they go towards the underside of the snake.  These markings are darker than the ground color of the copperhead.

Copperhead

What Does The Copperhead Eat?

The copperhead eats small rodents, vermin and anything else they can capture.  They have been known to kill and eat lizards and other similar types of prey as well.

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The cottonmouth, commonly referred to as a water moccasin, is a stout bodied snake that is alternately described as reclusive and aggressive. My personal experience with this pit viper is that it is highly territorial, and not likely to give ground when confronted. That said, the cottonmouth has never exactly been aggressive as far as what I have seen. It will stand it’s ground, gape open it’s mouth, and wait for you to leave. This is not exactly aggressive behavior as much as stubborn.

There are at least three subspecies of cottonmouth found in North America, and they are all fairly abundant within their ranges. There is the Eastern Cottomouth (Agkistrodan piscivorus piscivorus), the Florida cottonmouth (Agkistrodan piscivorus conanti) and the Western cottonmouth (Agkistrodan piscivorus leucostoma). They all are similar with coloration being the primary difference among them. This article will deal with the Eastern cottonmouth as this is the species of which I have the most knowledge of.

Is the Cottonmouth Dangerous?

Cottonmouths are venomous, and the venom is somewhat comparable to the bite of most large rattlesnakes. They are not quite as serious as those rattlesnakes, but they are more toxic than the copperhead. The bite of the cottonmouth can cause massive tissue loss at the site of the bite, and often will make you incredibly sick. Can it kill you? Absolutely it can if you do not get treatment for the bite. The vast majority of cottonmouth snake bites do not end in death, however. Bites should be considered serious and should always be treated as an emergency.

Where Are Cottonmouths Located?

Cottonmouth snakes are very common throughout the Southeast to include North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas. This list is far from all inclusive, but it is the “hot bed” of cottonmouth locations.

How Big Do Cottonmouths Get?

The cottonmouth can grow up to about 3-4 feet on average. They do not get extremely long, but they are known to get quite fat. Their bodies are very stout and the snake is quite powerful looking as a rule. Baby cottonmouths are usually about a foot.

Identification of the Cottonmouth

Cottonmouth snakes are usually identified by the white coloration that is clearly shown to anyone that happens to be close. The cottonmouth will generally curl into a strike position and gape open its jaws, thereby showing the reason they are called cottonmouths. The two large fangs that are hinged back when the snake closes its mouth are sometimes visible as well. If you are close enough to note the fangs, then you are way too close.

The head of the cottonmouth is noticeably larger than the neck, and they are generally triangular in shape. The head also houses pits which allow the snake to hunt effectively. These heat sensing pits are a primary feature of a pit viper such as the cottonmouth.

The cottonmouth also can be highly variant in color, depending on where it is located and the species. In general, cottonmouths are darker as they age, and markings begin to fade. The cottonmouth often has bands that are serrated at the edges. The ground color can be black, grey, brown, or even a olive color.

Cottonmouth Behavior

The cottonmouth has been known to do some odd things. They are not your everyday snake by any means. For example, when a cottonmouth goes into the water, they swim with the head up and over the body. Most other water snakes swim low in the water.

The classic urban myth about a water skier falling into a bed of cottonmouths is simply not true. Cottonmouths do not nest in the water, and they tend to run when in the water. Oddly, they do not seem as brave in the water as they are on land. On land, the cottonmouth is usually going to stand its ground.

Though the cottonmouth is widely feared, it should not be. The snake is a formidable reptile that deserves respect, not fear. As long as you give them a wide berth, the cottonmouth will never be a problem for anyone. They are beautiful and quite necessary in our ecosystems throughout the United States.

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