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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"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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Common Mussurana Size

The common mussurana is usually about 5-6 feet long when fully grown. They are slender but powerful little snakes.

Common Mussurana Habitat

The common mussurana likes to inhabit forests that are located near bodies of water. This sometimes includes swamps, rivers, and even ponds. They have been known to cross these bodies of water as well.

Common Mussurana Prey

The common mussurana likes to eat lizards, birds, and other snakes as well. This includes some snakes that are much more venomous. Some people think that the mussurana is immune to most snake venoms.

Common Mussurana Method of Killing

As mentioned, the mussurana uses venom and constriction, probably depending upon the prey. They will inject a mild venom and hold on, because they have fangs that are located at the back of the mouth instead of the front. For this reason they hold on to their prey to keep them from escaping. This leads to constriction in many cases.

Common Mussurana Distinguishing Marks

The common mussurana is a very unique snake as far as color. They start off as youngsters a bright red color, and as they age they morph into brown and green. As adults they are usually completely black.

Common Mussurana Location

The mussurana is found in South America. They are found in Guatemala as well as Argentina.

Common Mussurana Danger

The mussurana has a fairly mild venom as mentioned, but a bite can be dangerous. Any snakebite should be attended by medical personnel quickly. The mussurana is no exception. They are quick to attempt to bite if mucked with.

Other Information About The Common Mussurana

This snake is one of the many beautiful snakes found in South America. Keep in mind that their are many dangerous snakes there, and that one must be careful when in their range. It is not hard to confuse them with a truly deadly species.

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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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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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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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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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