Snakes in the grass

Slithery, scaly, silky creatures with no legs; snakes are plentiful around the earth.  There are many types of snakes. However, it is important to know what type of snake you are dealing with. Several thousand Americans are bitten by snakes every year. Some snakes are venomous and some are not, but it makes you wonder how do you tell the difference? 

Venomous or Non-venomous ​

One of the first things you might notice about a snake is it's color. Color is helpful feature to help you determine whether a snake is dangerous or not. 

​In North America, there are four common types of snakes: the Rattlesnake, Copperhead, Coral Snake, and Cottonmouth Moccasin. Snakes usually blend in with their environments, and you need to be observant when you find a snake.  Knowing the difference in behavior can help you tell if the snake is poisonous or not. Rattlesnakes for instance, will shake their tails to ward off and warn possible predators. Other venomous snakes such as copperheads and cottonmouths usually live near bodies of water.

​Head shape and eye features is another detail that can help you tell if the snake is potentially dangerous or not. Non-venomous snakes usually have round heads and have round pupils. Poisonous snakes however usually have triangular heads and their eyes have a vertical thin black pupil. Additionally, sometimes poisonous snakes exhibit holes between their eyes and nostrils. Those holes are used for radiation detection to aid them in survival. 

What to Do If You're Bitten: 

The first thing you should do if you are bitten, is to seek medical assistance. If you know what type of snake you were bitten, this information can help you gauge the risks of the bite. Additionally, if it is venomous, you should call the police or have someone take you to the hospital as soon as possible. Do not try to suck out the venom or cut the wound, because it could get into your bloodstream. 

What To Do About Snakes: 

​When encountering a snake, you should always be cautious. Make sure to be extra careful especially if it is venomous. To get rid of a snake, you can gently push the snake outside with a broom or mop. Another way to get rid of a snake is to place a bucket, pot, or wastebasket over the snake with a weight on top, and call pest control. Keeping a snake in one room and blocking off exit points are also a good idea if you would rather wait for someone who can handle it.