Venomous Snakes
Did you know that snakes are not poisonous? That's because "poisonous" refers to something that is toxic when ingested. Therefore, "venomous" is the correct term when describing a potentially deadly snake. Some of the most venomous snake species include pit vipers such as rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouth (also known as water a moccasin). There are actually over 150 pit viper species around the world, with even more subspecies and varieties. Pit vipers are distinguished by the presence of a heat-sensing pit organ located between the eye and the nostril on both sides of the head. A coral snake is also one of the most venomous snakes and is an elapid, characterized by their permanently erect fangs at the front of the mouth. A venomous bite is called an “envenomation.” Although death from venomous snake bites is rare, it is still incredibly painful and antivenom is very expensive. So why take a chance? Wear Razer Snake Gaiters when in the desert or woods and protect your lower legs from snake fangs.
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Venomous Snakes in the United States
The United States has about 30 species of venomous snakes, which include 23 species of rattlesnakes, three species of coral snakes, two species of cottonmouth, and two species of copperhead. Alaska is one of two states to be snake-free, the other being Hawaii. As an island, Hawaii is more representative of why most countries without snakes have gotten so lucky: They're geographically isolated. Click here to learn more about most venomous snakes in the USA. |
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Venomous Snakes in Florida
Florida is home to about 50 species of native snakes, six of which are venomous— eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, copperhead, cottonmouth, and the coral snake. The five species of pit vipers all share several characteristics. The pupils of their eyes are vertical (cat-like) and they have a deep facial pit between each eye and nostril. These characteristics can be difficult to see unless a snake is examined closely, so do not rely on them to differentiate venomous from deadly species. Click here to learn more about deadly snakes in Florida. |
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Venomous Snakes in Texas
The Lone Star State is home to at least 15 dangerous snake species. Some of the most venomous snakes in Texas are the cottonmouth, the copperhead, the western rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the coral snake. However, in Texas you can also come across some non-venomous snakes that look similar to their venomous relatives; some of them even emit a rattling sound. For example, the venomous coral snake and the milk snake look remarkably alike. Click here to learn more about venomous rattlesnakes in Texas. |
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Venomous Snakes in Australia
It is estimated that Australia hosts 66 venomous species. The reason why almost all snakes Down Under are venomous is that almost all of them are elapids— a venomous group characterized by its short fangs and agile nature. Some elapid species are small and shy around humans, while others are large and obtrusive. Striking with a downward stabbing motion, elapids kill by injecting a neurotoxic venom that causes immediate paralysis in prey. Click here to learn more about venomous snakes in Australia. |
