Snake Identification by Characteristics

Snake identification is an important trait for those who simply love the outdoors and if you're a nature lover, you surely must know that snakes are everywhere, may it be the venomous or the non-venomous ones. Besides, it is a well-known fact that only a handful of all the people love snakes, but you should remember one thing that not all snakes are venomous. It is because of these venomous snakes that the snake community has got a bad name. To be more precise, people fear them. Well, it's true that snakes can be dangerous sometimes, but they also have their part to play in the ecosystem. They are the ones that get rid of farm pests like rodents, insects, rabbits and other small prey. For the ones who adore snakes, it is very important that they are educated with respect to knowing how to care for snakes and when to simply leave them alone.

Venomous Snake Identification

Given below are some of the venomous snakes found:

• Cobras: Oh yes, the cobras, the most feared of them all, especially the king cobra which is the most poisonous snake in the world. They are found mostly in Asia, Africa and the Philippines. These snakes are known to make nest for they eggs and they stay there until the eggs are hatched. They are rarely seen to attack without being provoked but nevertheless, it is extremely important to maintain caution when faced with this snake.
• Rattlesnakes: There are many types of rattlesnakes and their colors vary from a pitch shade of brown to black and of course, they have a rattle at the end of their tail, which they use as a warning signal to fend of any possible threat.
• Copperheads: Shades of brown with a pit between their nostrils. These snakes are found in the low-lying wet areas often confused with the cottonmouths.
• Cottonmouths: Again. The cottonmouths too have a pit between their nostrils however, when these snakes are threatened, they usually open up their mouths displaying their whitish mouth which is where they get their names from.
• Sea snakes: These snakes are one of the most poisonous snakes ever and unlike eels, they have to come to the surface to breathe some air. They are known to populate the Australian reef, the Indian and the Pacific Ocean. If a person is bitten by these snakes, it can easily cause respiratory paralysis.

Then you have the non venomous snakes like the bull snake, rat snake, water snake, boas, flathead, mud snake, etc.

What are the Snake Identifiers?

Now let's get down to the points that serve as identifiers:

• Length: When it comes to the length of the snake, the first thing that you have to do is imagine how it would look like when it is stretched out. The small snakes would be 12 inches long and they would include snakes like red belly snake, brown snake. Then there are the medium-sized snakes queen snakes, milk snakes, etc. And then you have the large snakes like the cobras, rattlesnakes, water snakes, etc.
• Shape: This acts as an important identifier. The question that you have to ask yourself is whether the body of the snake is slender, heavy or thick. The thick snake would include the cottonmouth, boa, etc. while the slender one will include the ribbon snake, vine snake, etc.
• Head: This might be a confusing identifier because many snakes are actually known to flatten their heads when they are threatened. This can be a bit confusing owing to the fact that pit vipers are known to have arrowheads.
• Eyes: This is rather a simply technique that can help you tell apart a poisonous from a non-poisonous one. Non-venomous snakes are known to have a round pupil whereas the venomous snakes are known to have a vertical pupil similar to the cat's eye.

Although it is a fact that snakes can be dangerous, you have to remember that they usually keep to themselves. So, if you've found a snake in your yard or inside your home, worry not. The snake can be easily identified - all you have to do is take note of the identifiers I have listed above. This information can then be conveyed to a professional, who in turn will determine whether or not the snake is poisonous.