How to Identify a Silver Snake

Snake identification is extremely important due to the fact that many snakes are highly venomous and even deadly to humans. Certain snakes have a similar appearance, making it difficult to know whether the snake is dangerous or not. There are many silver snakes that are harmless and even silver snakes that people keep as pets, such as a boa constrictor or ball python. There are many silvery snakes, however, that are venomous and dangerous, such as the sea crate or the water moccasin. Here is a guide for identifying an unknown silver snake.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine how long the snake is. Length can be a helpful identifier in the snake world. Venomous snakes are most commonly over 3 feet in length, while harmless snakes are typically smaller when full grown. Do not pick up the snake to measure it. Instead, estimate the length. Picking up a snake that you have not identified is extremely dangerous because the snake could bite you.

2. Look at the shape of the snake. If the head shape is shaped like a diamond or looks boxy, then it could be a venomous snake. Non-venomous snakes usually have a longer, leaner head. The body of a venomous snake is more likely to be thicker while a harmless snake is typically skinnier.

3. Look at the eyes. Venomous snakes will have slits in their eyes, similar to that of a feline. Harmless snakes, such as the ball python, have round pupils. This is a great identifier that can help you to determine whether the snake is dangerous if you cannot tell by the body shape or length. Do not get too close to the snake, however. Try to see the eyes from a distance.

Tips & Warnings

• Never pick up a snake if you are unsure what kind it is. Venomous snakes can be deadly.

Resources

• Identifying a Snake

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on 4/6/2009 What does "silver" mean in this context?Several errors:1. krait - not "crate".2. Shape of pupil is _not_ diagnostic. 2.1 Elapids (cobras, mambas, kraits, coral snakes, venomous Australian snakes, sea snakes) have round pupils. 2.2 Boas: vertical pupils, pythons: round. 2.3 In low light, a "vertical" pupil is close enough to round that you can't tell.3. Head shape is not diagnostic. Elapids (see above) often have small, non-boxy heads.4. Size is not diagnostic. Many small snakes, particularly the saw-scaled vipers (genus Echis) are less than 2 feet long. Also, juvenile venomous snakes can be tiny - but lethal.5. Body shape is not diagnostic. e.g. Mambas are thin.