Encountering snakes is a common thing while climbing or camping. Before venturing into nature, learning about the differences between poisonous and harmless snakes is strongly advised. In this article you will find some information.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: General Rules
Step 1. Look at the head
Most venomous snakes usually have triangular shaped heads.
Step 2. Look at the colors
Some venomous snakes like the coral snake have bright colors.
Step 3. Look inside the eyes
Some poisonous snakes have eyes with vertical slits. Non-poisonous ones, on the other hand, have round pupils.
Step 4. Check for glands between the snake's eyes and nostrils
A venomous snake usually has heat-sensitive glands to locate warm-blooded prey. Non-poisonous ones do not possess these glands.
Step 5. Check if they have a rattle
Snakes with a rattle in their tail are rattlesnakes, very poisonous.
Step 6. Note the scales on the underside of the tip of the tail
Most venomous snakes have one row of scales, while non-venomous ones have two.
Step 7. If possible, check the bottom of the queue
The underside of the tail (behind the anus) of a poisonous snake is like the rest of the belly. If the snake has a cross (or diamond-shaped) pattern, it is not poisonous. However, it is not easy to discover, unless the animal is dead.
Step 8. In the event of an attack, examine the bite marks
Signs of two stings very close to each other indicate that the snake has teeth and is poisonous. Conversely, a bite with the "serrated" sign means that the snake has no teeth and is therefore not poisonous.
Step 9. Watch the snakes swim
Only poisonous snakes with fully visible bodies on the water.
Method 2 of 2: Exceptions
Step 1. The coral snake is poisonous but has a round head
Some non-venomous snakes flatten their heads when they feel threatened to make it appear that they have a triangular shaped head.
Step 2. Some colored snakes, such as scarlet, milk red, or royal scarlet, are not poisonous
Step 3. The black mamba, cobra and inland taipan are poisonous but have round pupils like most non-poisonous snakes
The coral snake has these characteristics and is therefore poisonous.
Advice
- If you are unsure whether a snake is poisonous or not, assume it is and stay away!
- Do online research on venomous snakes in your area. If you have no idea what they are like, it will help you identify them.
- Don't kill snakes if they don't attack you. As snakes eat rodents and parasites, they help control the number of these creatures that could transmit disease to humans.
- If you are dealing with a spitting cobra, make sure you wash all clothes and camera lenses etc … when you finish. Remember to wear sunglasses.
- Do not step on the grass if you are not sure that there are no snakes hidden.
- If you intend to catch a snake, do it with a special trap.
Warnings
- Don't try to catch snakes that are hissing, rattling their tails, or spitting.
- These behaviors indicate that they want to be alone and that they may attack you.
- A snakebite could cause rashes, paralysis, or even loss of limbs. If you don't go to the doctor immediately after a poisonous snake bite, you could even die.
