Post on 11-Jan-2016
Poisonous Snakes
By: Bryan CheungT.317 Life Scout22 Sept 2008
Types of Poisonous Snakes
6 Types of poisonous snakes in Florida
Eastern Diamondback RattlesnakeCanebrake (Timber) RattlesnakePygmy RattlesnakeCottonmouth (Water Moccasin)CopperheadCoral Snake
From 2 families: Viperidae (vipers/pit vipers)Elapidae (cobras)
Viper/Pit Viper Family
5 Types in Florida:Eastern Diamondback RattlesnakeCanebrake (Timber) RattlesnakePygmy RattlesnakeCottonmouth (Water Moccasin)Copperhead
Characteristics:Elliptical PupilsPits between eyes and nostrilsArrow-shaped headsUse hemotoxic venom which destroys red blood cells
and walls of blood vessels.
Cobra Family
1 Type in FloridaCoral Snake
CharacteristicsRound pupils
Round shaped heads
Use neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system of the prey through paralysis of the heart and lung muscles.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
How to identify:Yellow-bordered
Diamond-shaped markingsRattle at end of tailArrow shaped head
much wider than neck areaFrequently seen in
palmetto flatlands, pine woods, abandoned fields, and brushy/grassy areas
Canebrake RattlesnakeHow to Identify:
Grayish-brown colorDark chevron-shaped bands or blotches across
its bodyOrange or rusty-red stripe down the middle of its
back from head to tailBrown or black tail with a rattle on the end
Pygmy Rattlesnake
How to identify:Small rattle that sounds
like buzzing sound and can only be heard from a few feet awayGray colorAbout 3 rows of dark,
round spots around its backA single orange or
reddish stripe down the back in between the spotsYoung Pygmy rattler tails
may be yellow at the tip
Cottonmouth (water moccasin)
How to identify:Darkish brown to black in
colorMay have black bands
across bodyWhen provoked, it will lay
its head back and open its mouth to show the white lining of the mouth (which is why it is called cottonmouth)
CopperheadHow to identify:
Tan to pinkish in color
Reddish Brown hourglass-shaped bands across the body
Copper colored head
Which is venomous?
Coral Snake
(Venomous)
Scarlet King snake
(Nonvenomous)
Easy way to remember: “Red touch yellow, deadly fellow; Red touch black, friendly Jack”
Or, black nose=venomous
Coral SnakeHow to Identify:
Very colorful stripe pattern
Black nose
Most are less than 30 in. in length
Round pupils like most non-venomous snakes
First AidNon-Poisonous Snakebites
Clean wound with soap and water and apply antisepticWrap it with a clean bandage
Poisonous SnakebitesGet victim to medical attention ASAPRemove rings/jewelry around the bite areaLet the victim lay down and place the injured area lower
than the rest of the bodyTreat for shock (keep them calm, keep airway open,
raise legs, etc)If available within 3 minutes of the bite, use a venom
extractor.Do NOT:
Make cuts on the woundApply iceTry to suck out the venom with your mouthGo after the snake to kill itLet the victim make many movements
More InfoFlorida Venomous Snakes (with pictures)
<http://www.247wildlife.com/venomousnakes.htm>
Guide to Florida Snake
<http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/FL-GUIDE/onlineguide.htm>
First Aid for Snakebites<http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000031.htm>