How to Determine if a Snake Is Poisonous in North America

Is that snake sunning itself in your backyard poisonous? If you live in North America, you are lucky because there are only two kinds of poisonous snakes indigenous to this area, the poisonous coral snake and the poisonous pit viper. Once you learn to identify them, you can relax about the slithery creatures that may share your habitat.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Check the color. If the snake has red, black and yellow bands of color, and the red and yellow bands are next to each other, it is a poisonous coral snake.

2. Look at the head. If the snake has a wide, flat, triangular head with holes (pits) between its eyes and nose, it is a poisonous pit viper. It might be one of several species of rattlesnake, a cottonmouth or a copperhead, all of which are poisonous.

3. Check the nose. If the snake has an upturned nose, it is probably a nonpoisonous hognose snake. Also known as a puff adder, it hoods its neck, which may make it seem to have the triangular head of a pit viper.

4. Check the tail. If you see a rattle, a small stack of hollow beads attached to the tail, then it is a poisonous rattlesnake.

5. Watch its behavior. If the snake hissed and acted like it was about to bite, only to suddenly roll onto its back as if dead, it is most likely a nonpoisonous hognose snake.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Nonpoisonous snakes should be left alone. A few nonpoisonous snakes will even eat the poisonous ones! Poisonous snakes, however, need to be removed from around your home because they are a direct threat.
• To keep snakes out of your yard or house, make sure they have no place to hide and nothing to eat. Get rid of your woodpile and take care of your rat or mouse infestation. Mow your yard and remove any junk lying around.
• To get rid of a poisonous snake, call a pest control company.
• Snakebites are painful, but they are rarely fatal. If you or a member of your family is bitten, do not panic. Instead, keep the bite area below the heart and go to the hospital or call 911.
• Although fewer than 20 percent of snakes are poisonous, most will bite if harassed. The bites may become infected. Snakes are also often infested with parasites. Do not attempt to handle any snake.