How to Identify Venomous Snakes

Whether you're camping, working outdoors, or simply spending time in nature, knowing how to identify snakes can prevent an unwanted trip to the hospital.

Common Venomous Snakes in the United States

Rattlesnakes Triangle-shaped heads, large bodies, and a rattle at the tail tip. Sizes range from 1 to 8 feet, depending on the species. Found in forests, deserts, swamps, and grasslands across the U.S. Heat-sensing organs allow them to detect prey even in darkness. Most common in the southwestern U.S.
Copperheads Unmarked copper-colored head with reddish-brown bodies and chestnut brown hourglass crossbands2. Average size is about 30 inches. Found along the east coast and in mid-southern U.S. states. Heat-sensing organs located between the eyes and sides of the head.
Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins) Large, triangular heads with a dark line through the eyes, elliptical pupils, and large venom-filled jowls3. Sizes range from 24 to 48 inches. Found in southeastern U.S., especially near swamps, rivers, and wetlands.
Coral Snakes Identified by red, yellow, and black bands, although not all coral snakes have the same colors. The head is always black. Usually 18 to 20 inches long. Eastern Coral snakes are more common than Western, often found in marshy, wooded areas. Coral snake venom is neurotoxic, affecting communication between the brain and muscles, leading to slurred speech, paralysis, and potentially fatal cardiac and respiratory failure4.

What to Do If You're Bitten by a Venomous Snake

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Stay calm and keep still.
• Try to remember the snake’s color and shape to assist with treatment.
• If unable to get to a hospital right away, apply first aid (lay down with the bite below heart level, wash with soap and water, and cover with a clean dressing).

What NOT to Do

• Don’t wait for symptoms—seek help right away.
• Don’t try to capture the snake.
• Don’t apply a tourniquet.
• Don’t suck out the venom.
• Don’t apply ice or submerge the bite in water.
• Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages.

Signs or Symptoms of a Venomous Snake Bite

• Redness or swelling around the bite area.
• Blurred vision or difficulty seeing.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Excessive sweating or salivation.
• Numbness or tingling sensations.

We recommend always carrying a first aid kit when exploring the outdoors. If venomous snakes are common in your area, it’s wise to invest in a snake bite kit or venom extractor.

What Do You Have in Your Emergency Kit for Snake Bites?