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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The ball python that I had was a pretty stout one. It went about six feet or so, and was pretty thick around the middle. The snake had always been a very laid back snake, and was not prone to strike in the least. We had no small pets or children in the house, and the ball python does not get terribly large, so we did not worry too much about it getting out of it’s cage. Big mistake….

One morning I woke up and walked over to say good morning. When I did, the lid of the cage had been moved away just enough for the snake to get out, and the ball python was gone! No snake anywhere. I searched that apartment for hours. I started to panic a bit, because the snake could be anywhere. I wasn’t worried about the snake actually harming anyone, but I was worried that an escaped six foot python could alarm the heck out of the neighbors not to mention the snake itself.

After about six hours and several uncomfortable conversations with the neighbors, I gave in and when to work.

I got home that night and started to implement some of the many ideas given to me by coworkers. I tried putting out some food. I tried the ventilation system. I tried the heaters and ducts. I tried everything. After about six more hours, I gave up ever finding that ball python.

I fixed myself some supper, and then got myself propped up in front of the television for the latest “Seinfeld” episode. Then it hit me.

The television is often considered a prime hiding spot for escaped snakes because of the heat source. Not so much the television as under the television. The problem was, the only way to check it out was to stick my head down there and look. Now a six foot python that decides to bite you is not very fun. I figured that it would be a bit cranky and maybe a bit hungry as well. Not a good mixture when you are putting your face down into a small area.

I stuck my head down to peek under the television where there was about three inches of clearance. As soon as I did, my ball python bit me right on the nose. The strike nearly gave me a heart attack. I had never seen him strike unless he was eating and seeing it that close up and personal was a snake bite experience I would have loved to have missed.

I finally got him out of there, but only with the promise of food. I waved a little mouse (dead) in front of the opening and slowly brought it out far enough that I could get him behind the head.

I learned my lesson about escaping snakes that day. From that point forward, I always kept my snake safely tucked away and the locks in place. My nose is now healed, but I will never forget that snake bite.

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I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

The black mamba is named after the black coloration of the inside of their mouths and not their body color. If you notice, the black mamba is actually a greyish color. Their mouths are jet black when they open it however.

The black mamba is also one of the largest venomous species of snake in the world. This African serpent is actually the second largest in the world among venomous species. Only the king cobra is larger. The black mamba can reach fourteen feet in length.

The black mamba is also highly aggressive. In spite of this fact, they will still attempt to escape given the chance. They are not interested in conflict with humans, but if they are cornered they are capable, and highly aggressive fighters. Never approach a black mamba in the wild or anywhere else. They can kill you in a flash if you are not near antivenin. Even with the antidote, the black mamba still can be deadly. Without the antivenin, the black mambas bite is nearly 100 percent fatal.

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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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Timber Rattlesnake Pattern

The timber rattlesnake, also commonly called the canebrake rattlesnake, is a relatively mild mannered member of the rattlesnake family.  Though they are less likely to jump into a fight, they are still very fierce when cornered.  The timber rattlesnake much prefers staying far away from human contact, and will usually slide away if it has an avenue of escape.

How Dangerous is The Timber Rattlesnake?

The timber rattlesnake, though not inclined to be overly aggressive, is still potentially lethal.  The toxicity of a timber rattlesnake is not usually as lethal as the more volatile eastern and western diamondbacks, but they are still very dangerous rattlesnakes.  Their toxin is generally less destructive to the soft tissues, but can still kill a person if not treated quickly.  The bite of the timber rattlesnake requires immediate medical attention.

Where Do You Find The Timber Rattlesnake?

Timber Rattlesnake Blending In

Generally, the timber rattlesnake is protected and it’s numbers are dwindling due to a loss of habitat.  They do not generally enjoy being near people, and as we encroach further on their habitat, they are finding themselves with no place to go.  The timber rattlesnake can be found as far North as New England, and as far West as Texas.  They are found in the vast majority of the East.  They generally hang out in open fields, woodlands, prairies and grasslands.  When they den, they usually like to do so in rocky areas.

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

The timber rattlesnake is not a very long snake.  It gets to about four feet on average, but can get as big as six feet in length.  They tend to be on the fat side, and can get quite thick if the food is aplenty.  Timber rattlesnakes can be a dark brown, yellow, or gray.  Sometimes they are black.  The timber rattlesnake has a chevron pattern or cross-band pattern.

What Does The Timber Rattlesnake Eat?

Timber rattlesnakes love to eat rats, lizards, other snakes, birds, rabbits and even the occasional frog.  If it is edible and fits in their mouths, they will generally go for it.

Are There Similar Snakes That Look Like The Timber Rattlesnake

Would You Want To Meet This One Up Close?

The timber rattlesnake shares it’s territory with the Eastern Diamondback, but few would mistake them for one another.  The Eastern is generally much larger, but a young Eastern diamondback might be mistaken for a young adult timber rattlesnake to a person that is not familiar.

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Snake bite myths are something else.  I once was told this story by a person that obviously thought I knew diddily squat about snakes.  I laughed and walked away, though I should have informed them that a black mamba does not chase you unless cornered.  Even then, it will quickly take an escape route if given one.  I should have also told them that a black mamba does not kill you in ten seconds, unless it gives you a heart attack from the scare.

This story illustrates the irrational fears that people have about snakes.  The fact is, snake bites are almost always a case of someone doing something stupid.  Maybe they tried to kill the snake.  Maybe they stepped on it.  Maybe they tried to play with it.  I assure you they were not chased by it.

Snakes are creatures that simply want no part of anything that they can not eat.  They do not wish to harm people.  They can not eat us, and so we are useless to them.  We may be a danger to them, and so they bite in self defense.  Snake bites happen when we invade the reptile’s space.

The one exception to this rule might be the reticulated python or the Anaconda.  These two snakes could almost certainly eat a child or small framed adult.  The veracity of those claims is constantly debated.  What is certain is that many snakes can kill humans.  This does not mean they want to.

Venomous snakes bite purely in self defense.  If they feel threatened, they will bite quickly and forcefully.  The thing is, they sometimes do not even inject the venom.  This is called a “dry bite” and is usually because the snake is reserving their venom for food sources.  They do not want to waste their venom on us silly humans.

If you want to see the perfect example of people doing stupid things to get snake bitten, read all about this guy that got bitten in the face by a deadly pet gaboon viper.  It is a good illustration of how we bring snake bites down on ourselves.

The bottom line is that if we leave them alone, they will do the same.  If you come across a snake, ignore it and give it a wide berth.  I assure you, it will not chase you….. Even in Africa.

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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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The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is actually a rather shy and reclusive snake.  It has no interest whatsoever in encountering human beings, and if you heed it’s warning you are not likely to get bitten.  The eastern diamondback rattlesnake will bite if it is surprised or harassed, and when it does the results can be rather bad for humans.

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is a pit viper.  That means that it has little heat sensing pits on the snout of the snake that act as a sort of infra-red vision.  The snake sees warmth which comes in handy when hunting warm blooded mammals.  Another common pit viper trait is a triangular shaped head.  The eastern diamondback is known to have a large head with a skinny neck, and fits that pit viper profile to a tee.

One of the most telling features about the eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the racoon like features around the eyes and down the side of the head.  This is common to most all eastern diamondbacks.  The eastern diamondback also has the trademark rattle that one would expect.  This is not a good gauge of identification, however.  That goes for any rattlesnake.  The reason why is because the rattles on a rattlesnake can be missing for any number of reasons.  For example, the rattlesnake may have gotten into an altercation and lost it in a fight.

The eastern diamondback is a stout, heavy bodied snake that can grow in excess of eight feet.  Extra large eastern diamondbacks can grow up to ten feet, though this is far from common.  The average size of a full grown adult is probably around seven feet or so.

The eastern diamondback has hinged fangs that spring forward when the snake strikes.  The snake then buries the fangs deep into the snake bite victim, and injects venom through the hollow fangs.  The eastern diamondback has large fangs, and extremely large venom glands.  This means that it can inject copious amounts of venom into a bite.  This is one of the reasons the eastern diamondback rattlesnake is so dangerous.

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