The persecution of snakes and the acts of violence often committed against them can largely be blamed on our societal and cultural prejudices. Snakes instill a deep-rooted fear in many people, even though these shy creatures prefer to avoid humans and most other animals larger than themselves. Of those snakes who share human habitats, the vast majority are harmless. The following information about snakes may not inspire devotion, but it may help you develop a more tolerant attitude and respect for these misunderstood animals.

Venomous Snakes in the United States

Snakes are closely related to lizards and, along with turtles and tortoises, are members of the class Reptilia (reptiles). There are about 250 species and subspecies of snakes in the United States, many of them intricately patterned and brilliantly colored. Only four types are venomous:

• the copperhead (pictured)
• coral snake
• rattlesnake
• water moccasin

Several species of nonvenomous snakes, notably the king, milk, and rat snakes, vibrate their tails in dry leaves to mimic the sound of a rattlesnake to ward off possible predators. Reptile field guides and local nature centers can tell you which species occur in your area and how to identify them.

Snake Senses and Diets

Some species have very good eyesight, while others do not. A snake's sense of "smell" consists of highly specialized organs in the mouth that can detect subtle chemical changes in the surrounding environment. When a snake's tongue flicks in and out of his mouth, he is gathering and processing this chemical information. Snakes have no external ears, and it is thought that they "hear" by sensing vibrations from the air and the ground. Human and animal encounters with snakes are relatively rare because this sensory ability provides snakes with advance warning. All snakes can feel pain, external pressure, changes in temperature, and stretching within their skin.

All snakes are carnivores who swallow their food whole. Depending on the species, snake diets consist of insects, slugs, snails, small rodents, birds, eggs, frogs, toads, and even other snakes. King snakes, for example, are known for killing and eating venomous snakes, since they are immune to the poison.

Snake Habitats

Unlike mammals and birds, reptiles cannot maintain a constant body temperature. They must rely on outside heat sources to keep them warm enough to function. This is why snakes are sometimes seen basking in the open on warm, sunny days. Wood and brush piles, stone walls, and unmowed fields all provide fine snake habitat. Because food sources attract snakes, those places where mice and insects abound are the most likely locations for human-snake encounters.

Treating Snake Bites 

Although normally not aggressive, all snakes can bite if threatened or handled. Nonvenomous snake bites that break the skin should be treated like any other puncture wound with a potential for infection, preferably with the consultation of a physician. Victims of venomous bites should stay calm and inactive, and seek medical help immediately.

Attitudes towards our wild neighbor, the snake, are slowly changing to tolerance, and even appreciation, as people learn the important role snakes play in ecosystems. As education about these fascinating animals increases, more people will consider themselves lucky to catch a glimpse of a snake basking on a rock on a warm spring day.

Updated Sept. 26, 2006