Most basic descriptions fail people. Generally because the encounter with a snake is usually seconds long. They'd rather take off when they sense you coming near them or if they do strike, do so very fast. You cannot always go by markings and you may not be close enough to see if the snake has facial pits and you dont want to get close enough to determine how the head is off from the neck in case it is a venomous species.
The most distinctive characteristic with most venomous snakes in the US and pit vipers elsewhere is a very triangular shaped head. This shape is due to the venom sacs, which are located above the jaw and behind the eyes of the snake. This is typical of pit vipers such as the Western and Eastern diamondback rattlers, Mojave rattler and Pacific rattlers. Note: Pacific rattlers are too small to take on an adult chicken. Only larger adults of the other species mentioned can. Timber rattlers live in the Northeastern part of the states and are federally protected under the endangered species act.
For those of you in California: California kingsnakes EAT rattlers. You WANT THEM AROUND!! So many people kill them just because they are snakes, but they can be your best friend in rattler country. Rattlers are their top prey first on the menu.
Most snakes here in the states are going to be too small to take on at least a grown chicken. Some can take on unattended chicks. Cribos in Texas can obtain a length of 9 feet the longest US snake with the Indigo, also a 9 footer, but lives in the southeastern states. These are not poisonous, but might pose a threat to young chicks. Corn and rat snakes generally get about 6 feet, but rarely take on even little chicks. They are more interested in mice, but large adults might. However Indigo and corn snakes are federally protected. You can serve a hefty fine if caught capturing or killing any of them. They are more highly prized by agriculture farmers, because they reduce grain loss by preying on rodents.
Any other snakes here in the US are pretty much harmless to even day old chicks like ribbons, garters, ringnecks, watersnakes, even the little coral snake, which is highly venomous, but too tiny of a mouth lol. These little guys would be really lucky to get a fang into a pinkie toe, much less chicken feathers. Still dont want to tango with them. Remember, if yellow touches black, venom lack. If red touches yellow, kill a fellow. IMO, if youre unsure, stay back. Adult cottonmouths might be able to get a hold of a young chick.
Australia has 9 out of the 10 top most venomous snake species in the world, however, pose little threat to people given most are small like the Death Adder or just simply stay away from human encounters. There are more people in Australia (as well as in the states) who die from bee stings than snake bites. Those who do end up getting bit are the ones trying to catch these snakes. So best to just leave them well enough alone. It would still be a good idea to become familiar with these snakes if you live there.
For anyone wishing to become familiar with the snakes native to their area, look up a herpetology organization for information. Some good advice dont go by a Google image search. Most such searches on Google will show animals not properly identified. Always look for websites with .gov, .org or .edu for reliable information.
For those of you wondering, I'm a reptile buff and know my snakes
The most distinctive characteristic with most venomous snakes in the US and pit vipers elsewhere is a very triangular shaped head. This shape is due to the venom sacs, which are located above the jaw and behind the eyes of the snake. This is typical of pit vipers such as the Western and Eastern diamondback rattlers, Mojave rattler and Pacific rattlers. Note: Pacific rattlers are too small to take on an adult chicken. Only larger adults of the other species mentioned can. Timber rattlers live in the Northeastern part of the states and are federally protected under the endangered species act.
For those of you in California: California kingsnakes EAT rattlers. You WANT THEM AROUND!! So many people kill them just because they are snakes, but they can be your best friend in rattler country. Rattlers are their top prey first on the menu.
Most snakes here in the states are going to be too small to take on at least a grown chicken. Some can take on unattended chicks. Cribos in Texas can obtain a length of 9 feet the longest US snake with the Indigo, also a 9 footer, but lives in the southeastern states. These are not poisonous, but might pose a threat to young chicks. Corn and rat snakes generally get about 6 feet, but rarely take on even little chicks. They are more interested in mice, but large adults might. However Indigo and corn snakes are federally protected. You can serve a hefty fine if caught capturing or killing any of them. They are more highly prized by agriculture farmers, because they reduce grain loss by preying on rodents.
Any other snakes here in the US are pretty much harmless to even day old chicks like ribbons, garters, ringnecks, watersnakes, even the little coral snake, which is highly venomous, but too tiny of a mouth lol. These little guys would be really lucky to get a fang into a pinkie toe, much less chicken feathers. Still dont want to tango with them. Remember, if yellow touches black, venom lack. If red touches yellow, kill a fellow. IMO, if youre unsure, stay back. Adult cottonmouths might be able to get a hold of a young chick.
Australia has 9 out of the 10 top most venomous snake species in the world, however, pose little threat to people given most are small like the Death Adder or just simply stay away from human encounters. There are more people in Australia (as well as in the states) who die from bee stings than snake bites. Those who do end up getting bit are the ones trying to catch these snakes. So best to just leave them well enough alone. It would still be a good idea to become familiar with these snakes if you live there.
For anyone wishing to become familiar with the snakes native to their area, look up a herpetology organization for information. Some good advice dont go by a Google image search. Most such searches on Google will show animals not properly identified. Always look for websites with .gov, .org or .edu for reliable information.
For those of you wondering, I'm a reptile buff and know my snakes
