It is a common myth to say poisonous when it comes to snakes. However as explained in the above graphic– snakes are not poisonous, they are venomous. So to answer the question, how to tell if a snake is poisonous or not, we will have to re-state the question. How do you tell if a snake is venomous or not?
A snake that has heat-sensing pits is venomous. What are heat sensing pits? They are holes in the snakes’ faces that are called pit organs. These organs have a membrane that has heat sensitive receptors that can detect infrared radiation from warm bodies up to one meter away. (Just over 3′) As a result, these snakes can detect prey even in the dark. They are known the venomous snakes known as “PIT VIPERS.”
Triangular heads is another common trait in many venomous snakes. For example, the rattlesnake, copperhead, and water moccasin all have arrowhead-shaped faces. Also, if you are close enough to see—- PIT VIPERS also have pupils that are oblong, like a slit.
Have questions about snakes or other wild animals on your property? Nuisance Wildlife Removal Inc. is your expert for snake removal in Manatee and Sarasota County.
Call today to talk with a trusted professional. For more information or a FREE estimate:
Call 1-866-263-WILD or 941-729-2103.
There is one native snake in Florida that is venomous yet does not fit the above description because it is not a Viper. That is the CORAL snake. It is not a PIT VIPER as are the above, but rather is from a family of snakes called the ELAPIDS. For further info on the CORAL SNAKE please read this article.
Nuisance Wildlife Removal Inc. is fully licensed and insured. We are a locally and family-owned business that has been operating in Manatee and Sarasota county for 20 years. We are the REAL experts with the LONG-TERM experience that can save you from costly mistakes. Don’t trust your home or budget to a new guy on the block. Call today and speak with a trusted professional.
Have you ever wondered, what is the most venomous snake in the US? Well, the most fatal venomous bites are attributed to the eastern and western diamondback rattlesnake. Copperheads account for more cases of venomous snake bite than any other North American species; however, their venom is the least toxic, so their bite is not often fatal.
Snake Species
In the USA there are about 20 species of snakes that are venomous. Among those are 16 species of rattlesnakes, two species of coral snakes, one cottomouth (water moccasin) and one species of copperhead. The only states that do NOT have a venomous snake are Alaska and Hawaii.
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) kills the most people in the US, with the western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) ranking second. However, some authorities think the western diamondback is responsible for the most deaths.
Nuisance Wildlife Removal Inc. is fully licensed and insured. We are a locally and family-owned business that has been operating in Manatee and Sarasota county for 20 years. We are the REAL experts with the LONG-TERM experience that can save you from costly mistakes. Don’t trust your home or budget to a new guy on the block. Call today and speak with a trusted professional.
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Have questions about snakes or other wild animals on your property? Nuisance Wildlife Removal, Inc. is your expert for snake removal in Manatee County. Call today to talk with a professional wildlife technician. For more information and a FREE estimate call 1-866-263-WILD or 941-729-2103.
Central Florida’s Four Venomous Snake Species [Native]
There are four venomous snakes that flourish in central and southern Florida, namely the eastern diamondback, the eastern coral snake, the dusky pygmy rattlesnake and the Florida cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin.
Florida offers ideal weather conditions and habitat for dozens of snake species, but only four of those snake species are classified as venomous. Venomous snakes inject venom when they bite. Although venomous snakes are often described as poisonous, venomous snakes aren’t actually poisonous since poison must be ingested rather than injected. Technically, there’s no such thing as a poisonous snake. Venomous snakes, on the other hand, are dangerous and should be avoided.
Florida residents shouldn’t be overly concerned about non-venomous snakes, but it’s important to note that it can be difficult to distinguish between the previously mentioned venomous snakes and certain non-venomous snake species. It should also be mentioned that north Florida is home to the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake species in the United States. The average length of an eastern diamondback is between five and six feet. This dangerous venomous snake will strike from a classic coiled position and can extend half of its body length to reach a target. Never go near an eastern diamondback to avoid serious injury.
Eastern Coral Snake
The eastern coral snake is distinguished by a red and yellow coloration pattern. The venom of the eastern coral snake is neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system and causing paralysis of the diaphragm.
Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake
The dusky pygmy rattlesnake is a small rattlesnake with an average length of between 15 and 22 inches. The rattle is so small it sounds like a buzzing insect. This venomous snake is gray with colored blotches running along its back. The venom of the dusky pygmy rattlesnake is painful but not lethal. This particular snake accounts for more Florida snakebites than any other venomous snake species.
Florida Cottonmouth
Also known as a water moccasin, the Florida cottonmouth is a venomous water snake. This dangerous venomous snake is characterized by its solid dull black or patterned coloration. The most common way to identify a water moccasin is to watch for the black eye line running from the side of the snake’s eye and down the side of its head. Even baby cottonmouths have this distinctive eye line.