Pit vipers are also found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and across the Americas. Pit viper species found in North America include a variety of rattlesnakes as well as water moccasins (also known as cottonmouth snakes).
It is also helpful to learn the different colors and patterns associated with different rattlesnake species. For example, diamondback rattlesnakes, as their name suggests, have a distinctive diamond pattern along their backs.
If you live in the Southeastern U. S. , you might have heard the saying “Red touch yellow, kill a fellow. Red touch black, a friend of jack. ” This is a useful rhyme for remembering the difference between venomous coral snakes and harmless king snakes—king snakes do not have bands of red and yellow together. However, there are other non-venomous snakes with touching red and yellow bands, so this little rhyme is not always reliable. [6] X Research source
Mambas are related to cobras, and they behave similarly when threatened. If you corner a black mamba, it may rear up and open a hood or flap around its neck. Like coral snakes and cobras, black mambas are elapids, not vipers. They have narrow heads and round pupils.
You can also recognize some cobras by their distinctive patterns. For example, the Indian cobra has a pair of connected eye spots on the back of its hood that resemble spectacles.
For example, if you live in Oregon, the only venomous snake you are likely to encounter is the western rattlesnake. [10] X Research source Just like with venomous snakes, there’s no set of distinguishing features that indicates that a snake is not venomous. [11] X Research source To identify non-venomous snakes, look at a local reptile guide to find out which snakes live in your area and study their specific characteristics.
For example, the venomous North American water moccasin, or cottonmouth, is often confused with a harmless water snake. You can tell the difference by looking at the shape of the snake’s head and body. Water moccasins have heavy bodies and triangular heads, while water snakes are slender, with narrow heads. [12] X Research source People often confuse gopher snakes, which are not venomous, with rattlesnakes, due to their similar coloration and aggressive behavior. However, unlike rattlesnakes, gopher snakes have a pointed tail without rattles. [13] X Research source
Don’t put yourself in danger trying to get a good picture! Just try to get a shot from a safe distance if you can. If you don’t have a picture to work with, you can use Google Image Search to try to find pictures of similar snakes. For example, use search terms like “black snake yellow ring neck Pennsylvania,” and you will turn up images of the Northern ring-necked snake.
While you’re waiting for help, wash the bite with soap and water if you can, and keep the bite below the level of your heart. Remove any tight clothing, watches, or jewelry that might constrict the area and cause swelling.
Severe pain, redness, swelling, or bruising around the bite Numbness around the face or mouth Difficulty breathing A rapid heartbeat Weakness Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting A headache Nausea or vomiting Blurred vision Fever Convulsions
Pain in the area of the bite Mild redness and swelling Bleeding from the bite wound Some itching in the bite area
