Do you enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and encountering various wildlife?
If the answer is yes then you need to learn to detect certain animals and insects that are poisonous, it ensures your safety during your adventures. But how to know if a snake is poisonous or not?
As a wildlife enthusiast, it becomes crucial to be able to identify the key features that distinguish venomous snakes such as pit vipers and coral snakes, from non-venomous counterparts such as garter snakes and rat snakes.
Let’s not waste any further time and explore the distinctive traits of venomous and non-venomous snake species and help to stay safe when encountering these creatures in their natural habitats.
1. What are Venomous Snakes?
Before we get right into the topic, you need to know what venomous snakes are.
Venomous snakes are reptiles that have specialized glands for producing and delivering venom which is typically a toxic substance used to immobilize and digest their prey.
1.1. Characteristics of Venomous Snakes
Venomous snakes have distinctive characteristics that distinguish them from their non-venomous cousins. One of the most significant distinguishing characteristics is the presence of venom sacks.
These specialized glands are responsible for producing and storing venom, a potent mixture of toxins that venomous snakes typically use to immobilize and digest their prey as we talked about earlier.
As an adventurer, recognizing these venom sacks is important to identify snakes potentially dangerous snakes.
1.2. Common Venomous Snake Species
There are many common venomous species found in wild areas. If you know what these species are and their appearance, it will become easy for you to identify them and run as soon as possible.
1.2.1. Pit Vipers
Among all the most venomous snakes on the global level, the pit viper group includes species like the eastern diamondback rattlesnake and the copperhead.
You will notice as you approach them that they have triangular heads and, most significantly, heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nose.
These pits let most pit vipers detect warm-blooded prey which makes them even highly efficient hunters.
As you are a wild lover, it becomes essential for you to be familiar with pit vipers and their characteristics to ensure safety when exploring regions where they are present.
1.2.2. Coral Snakes
Coral snakes are also known for their striking and colourful patterns and often feature bands of red, yellow, and black.
If you see any snake like this on any adventure it means that you have to start running from that place to be secure from their potent neurotoxic venom.
1.2.3. Scarlet King Snakes
People often confuse scarlet king snakes with coral snakes but they are non-venomous.
These are harmless mimics and yet can cause you unnecessary panic which can lead to snake removal or harm to these harmless and beneficial creatures.
Knowing the difference between scarlet king snakes and their venomous counterparts can help you make informed decisions when encountering them on your adventure journey.
1.3. Identifying Venomous Snakes
Remembering all the venomous species might not be that easy for everyone.
So, you should think about a few essential characteristics that the majority of venomous snakes share. Recognizing these appearance factors will help you prevent any danger.
1.3.1. Examining Head Shape
The shape of a venomous snake’s head is an important factor you can look for while determining whether it’s venomous or non-venomous.
Venomous snakes, for instance, the pit vipers typically have triangular heads which is the biggest distinction between venomous and non-venomous counterparts.
On the other hand, while talking about non-venomous snakes such as the garter snake often have more rounded heads. Knowing these head shape differences is a valuable skill when you encounter them in the wild.
1.3.2. Observing Eye Characteristics
Another useful appearance you will encounter in Venomous snake’s eyes is their eye characteristics. Venomous species such as pit vipers have slitted eyes, reminiscent of a cat’s eye. This adaptation helps them in their hunting prowess.
In contrast, when encountering non-venomous snakes you will notice they have round eyes and snake pupils. Recognizing these differences in eye features can provide you with critical insights into the potential threat a snake may pose.
Identify Snake Venom Features
Not all venomous snakes are aggressive, and most prefer to avoid confrontation with humans.
However, knowing the key features that distinguish venomous snakes from non-venomous ones can help adventurers avoid potentially life-threatening encounters with local wildlife.
Most venomous snakes have a heart-shaped head, wider at the jawline and tapering towards the snout. This is because their venom glands are located on either side of their head, giving it a broader appearance.
Additionally, bright colors and distinctive patterns, like diamond shapes, are often associated with venomous species. The following rhyme is often used by North Americans to differentiate between the deadly coral snake and non-venomous local serpents: “Red touch yellow, kill a fellow.
Red touch black, venom lack.” Remember, these rules are not definitive indicators, and when in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution by assuming the snake is venomous and maintaining a safe distance.
Nicole Gabrail, Marketing Coordinator, Achievable
1.4. Venomous Snakes
On your journey to understand the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes, knowing the venomous snake’s venom is a crucial aspect. In this section of the article, let’s understand a venomous snake’s venom.
1.4.1. Understanding Venom Sacks
Venom sacks are often found in venomous snakes’ heads which contain a potent mixture of toxins. The location and role of these venom sacks play an important role in the snake’s predator behaviour.
Knowing this venom sack’s function is essential for preventing any dangers that are associated with venomous snake bites.
1.4.2. Recognizing Fangs
Venomous snakes are equipped with specialized fangs that allow them to deliver their venom effectively. The size, shape, and position of these fans can be found differently in various snake species.
Understanding these differences is crucial if you want to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes.
For instance, pit vipers have long, hollow fangs for injecting venom, while coral snakes have shorter and fixed fangs. Knowing all these differences can be a life-saving skill for any wild adventurer.
1.4.3. The Danger of Snake Bites
Snake bites, particularly of venomous snakes, can be life-threatening. The danger of a snake bite depends on various factors such as the snake’s species, the amount of venom injected in that bite, and the location where the snake has been bitten.
While snake bites are rarely fatal if treated properly with the right precautions, they can lead to severe pain and tissue damage.
Learn Safety Through Snake Traits
As a travel blogger who often ventures into the wilderness, I’ve learned that distinguishing venomous snakes from non-venomous ones is crucial for ensuring safety during adventures.
Key features to look out for include the shape of the head; venomous snakes typically have a more triangular head due to their venom glands, whereas non-venomous snakes have a more rounded head.
Another indicator is the pupil shape; venomous snakes usually have vertical, slit-like pupils, similar to a cat’s, while non-venomous snakes tend to have round pupils.
Additionally, the presence of a pit between the eye and nostril on either side of the head is a characteristic of pit vipers, a group of venomous snakes.
Being able to identify these features is essential for adventurers to make informed decisions in the wild, such as whether to safely observe or give the snake a wide berth, reducing the risk of potentially life-threatening encounters.
Jeremy Scott Foster, Founder, TravelFreak
2. Common Non-Venomous Snake Species
In your quest to answer the question of how to know if a snake is venomous, you need to know common non-venomous snake species. Let’s explore some common non-venomous snake species found in the wild.
2.1. Rat Snakes
Known for their excellent climbing abilities, rat snakes are widespread non-venomous snakes. They often have vibrant patterns and colours but do not have any venomous traits such as pit vipers and coral snakes.
These snakes are harmless to humans and are valuable for controlling rodent populations in both urban and rural populations.
2.2. Garter Snakes
The majority of non-venomous snakes in the world are garter snakes, which are primarily found in North America.
Anyone can easily recognize them by just looking at their slender, ribbon-like bodies and striking coloration. These are harmless and their existence is also important to maintain ecological balance by preying on insects and small vertebrates.
2.3. Corn Snakes
Corn snakes are docile reptiles and attractive, yes you heard it right, these creatures look stunning and are often kept as pets due to their non-venomous nature.
They have striking patterns and colors that can vary significantly but they cause no danger in any way to humans.
2.4. Milk Snakes
Often have red, black, and white bands, milk snakes are often confused with coral snakes. However, they are non-venomous and cause no harm or danger to humans just like other non-venomous species we have talked about.
Knowing the difference between milk snakes and coral snakes will help you prevent unwarranted fear and harm to these beneficial reptiles.
2.5. What to Do When Encountering Non-Venomous Snakes
When you encounter a non-venomous snake while exploring wildlife, you need to exercise caution and respect their space. These reptiles typically prefer to avoid confrontation and pose no risk to humans.
You can keep a safe distance from them and observe them without attempting to remove any snakes. These beauties play a crucial role in the ecosystem, understanding is essential as this is a part of responsible wildlife encounters.
3. Safe Interaction and Prevention
On your wildlife exploration, interacting with snakes, especially venomous ones, can be quite risky for you.
While learning how to identify venomous snakes is essential, understanding how to safely coexist with these reptiles in their natural habitat is equally important.
3.1. Keeping a Safe Distance
One of the first and foremost things you can do is maintain a safe distance from these venomous snakes. If you don’t do this, there’s a good probability a snake will bite you.
Venomous snakes such as pit vipers and coral snakes can attack immediately the moment they feel threatened or cornered.
To be as safe as possible in this situation, it is advisable to maintain a minimum of at least the snake’s body length as this distance will allow the snake to feel unthreaded and in most cases, will prevent snake bites.
Balance Adventure with Wilderness Respect
Nature has this magnetic draw that pulls us in, connecting us to something primal.
Exploring the great outdoors isn’t just about adventure; it’s about immersing ourselves in the beauty of the natural world, discovering hidden gems, and encountering wildlife in their natural habitats.
Safety is essential for us, though. We do our research, pack essentials, and respect wildlife from a distance, ensuring our adventures are both thrilling and responsible.
It’s all about finding that balance between adventure and respect for the wilderness we love. After all, nature is their turf, and we are only visitors passing through!
Brian Holstein, Photographer & Business Owner, Scenic Vows
3.2. Recognizing Signs of Feeling Threatened
Understanding a snake’s behaviour can help you understand whether it’s feeling threatened or not. These signs could be raising their heads, coiling into a defensive posture, or rattling their tails as a last resort.
In this situation, non-venomous snakes typically try to escape as soon as possible. Knowing all these behaviours can be beneficial to avoid any potentially dangerous interaction.
3.3. What to do if Bitten?
Despite all the precautions, snake bites can still occur. If by any chance you get bitten by venomous snakes, you need to act as quickly as possible and seek medical attention.
Between the gap you get medical attention, make sure you keep the bitten limb immobilized and at or attempt below heart level to slow the spread of venom into your body.
Adventure and Safety in Nature Exploration
As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I am drawn to exploring nature and encountering wildlife for several reasons. First, there is an innate human curiosity about the natural world that surrounds us.
Witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat and escaping the built environment, even for a short while, provides a sense of adventure and wonder.
Second, spending time in nature has well-documented benefits for both physical and mental health. I find that immersing myself in a natural setting helps to reduce stress and gain a fresh perspective.
Of course, any encounter with wildlife does come with risks, so safety is a top priority. I always let someone know my planned route and schedule before heading out.
I carry essential survival gear in case of emergencies and remain vigilant about my surroundings. By taking proper precautions, respecting my distance from wildlife, and avoiding direct contact, I can mitigate risks while still enjoying the rewards of exploration.
In the end, a sense of adventure, natural curiosity, and the restorative power of nature draw me to explore the outdoors. With the right mindset and safety measures in place, encountering wildlife in their habitat can be a profoundly rewarding experience.
Martin Purvis, Content Marketer, BirdZilla
Take Away
In conclusion, navigating the distinction between many venomous snakes and non-venomous species is an important skill to acquire for anyone who loves to venture into wildlife areas.
Knowing the unique traits of venomous snakes like pit vipers and coral snakes and their telltale sign which include triangular heads and distinctive coloration is essential.
Recognizing the behaviours of these reptiles is also equally important. Being aware in this situation of the potential dangers of snake bites from venomous snakes is so important. Stay safe and healthy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. Are snakes born with poison?
No, not all snakes are born with poison. Some develop venom as they grow in time, while some of them are born venomous. There are also non-venomous snakes that exist in our ecosystem which cause no harm to humans.
Q.2. What is a short note about snakes?
Snakes are legless reptiles that can be seen in different species around the world. They also come in different sizes and habitats. Nevertheless, they are essential to the environment.
Q.3. What is the biggest snake ever seen?
The Titanoboa cerrejonesis is currently the biggest snake the world has ever encountered. The length of this snake is 40 which is not a common length in any snake species.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on by Sathi