Signs and Symptoms
Fang or bite marks may or may not be visible after a snakebite has occurred. The site will often be painful and may change color and begin to swell.
As a general rule, most poisonous snakes have slit-like pupils, a triangular head, and clearly visible fangs. Common poisonous snakes are pit vipers (rattlesnakes, water moccasins, and copperheads) and coral snakes. They can be identified by the following features:
- Rattlesnake – There are rings at the end of the snakes' tail that produce a rattling sound when they shake their tail.
- Water moccasin – These snakes have a white, cotton-like lining in their mouths, which they display when alarmed.
- Copperhead – These snakes have diamond-shaped markings down their backs. They rapidly move their tails when they're angry but do not have rattles.
- Coral snakes – These snakes have red, yellow, and black rings along the entire length of their bodies. Coral snakes, unlike many other poisonous snakes, have round pupils and small fangs that may or may not be visible.
Note: Coral snakes are often confused with some nonpoisonous snakes, such as the milk snake or king snake. In the US, there is a rule of thumb for differentiating between the poisonous coral snake and its nonpoisonous look-a-likes: nonpoisonous snakes have red and yellow bands separated by a black band, whereas coral snakes have red and yellow bands that touch. The adage, "Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, venom lack," can help you remember the difference between these snakes.
Who's At Risk
