Snakes North America: A Comprehensive Guide

Snakes in North America are incredibly diverse, with over 200 species calling the continent home. From the venomous western diamondback rattlesnake to the harmless garter snake, there's a snake to suit every interest.

The western diamondback rattlesnake is one of the most recognizable snakes in North America, found in the southwestern states and known for its distinctive rattle. Its venom is highly toxic and can be deadly to humans if not treated promptly.

Snakes have been a vital part of North American ecosystems for millions of years, playing a crucial role in controlling rodent populations. In fact, a single snake can eat dozens of rodents in a single season, helping to prevent the spread of diseases like hantavirus.

For more insights, see: Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake North Carolina

Snakes in North America can be broadly classified into two main groups: venomous and non-venomous.

The venomous snakes are further divided into two subgroups: pit vipers and coral snakes.

Pit vipers include rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths, all of which are found in the western and eastern parts of North America.

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The suborder Serpentes is a fascinating group of snakes that includes almost all species of snakes. There are over 3,000 species of snakes in this suborder, ranging in size, shape, and behavior.

The majority of snakes in the suborder Serpentes are venomous, with some species delivering deadly neurotoxins through their fangs. These venomous snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Some of the most venomous snakes in the world belong to the suborder Serpentes, including the inland taipan and the eastern brown snake. These snakes have the deadliest venom of any land snake.

The suborder Serpentes also includes non-venomous snakes, such as boas and pythons, which are found in tropical regions around the world. These snakes are constrictors, meaning they kill their prey by wrapping their bodies around it.

Consider reading: Venomous Snakes in North America

Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins) are semi-aquatic snakes found primarily in the southeastern United States, with the highest density in Florida.

Their broad heads and dark, thick bodies make them easy to spot, and their distinctive behavior when threatened is a dead giveaway: they open their mouths, revealing a white interior.

Cottonmouths are venomous, but encountering them is relatively rare, so it's essential to know how to identify them to avoid any potential risks.

To identify a Cottonmouth, you can consult field guides of snakes, which will give you information on their geographic range and other characteristics.

If you're planning to venture into areas where Cottonmouths are known to inhabit, it's crucial to maintain a respectful distance and be aware of your surroundings.

Vipers are a group of venomous snakes that belong to the subfamily Viperinae. They have a distinctive heat-sensing pit on their head, which is used to detect warm-blooded prey.

Most vipers are found in the Old World, with a few species in the New World. They are generally found in areas with rocky outcrops and scrubland.

Vipers are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. This is a characteristic shared with some other snake species, like boas and pythons.

Some vipers, like the European adder, are relatively small, growing to a maximum length of about 60 cm. Others, like the Gaboon viper, can grow up to 2 meters in length.

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If you really want to identify a snake, get a field guide at the library or bookstore. These will have information on geographic ranges and allow you to narrow your search.

About 150 species of snakes occur in North America, with over 90% being non-venomous. All native snakes are beneficial members of the biota.

To identify snakes, consider these features: the keel, which is a ridge that runs along the middle of the scales in some types of snakes; the vent, which is the snake's underside; the snake's pattern, which can be stripes, blotches, or solid coloration; the snout to vent length; the number of scales across the width of the snake; and the size of the head scales.

Here are the key features to look for when identifying snakes:

Coral snakes are venomous and have a distinctive pattern of red, yellow, and black rings, with the red and yellow rings touching.

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North America is home to a diverse range of snakes, but some species stand out for their venomous nature. These pit vipers, including rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, and coral snakes, can be found throughout the United States.

Pit vipers are a family of snakes that are known for their distinctive characteristics. They have a deep pit on each side of the head, midway between the eye and nostril, which is a key identifying feature. This pit is a heat-sensing organ that helps the snake detect its prey.

Some common types of pit vipers found in North America include the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, and Copperhead. These snakes are not only venomous, but they're also known for their distinctive rattle, which they use to warn potential predators.

Here's a list of some common pit vipers found in North America:

Venomous snakes are a group of snakes that belong to the pit viper family. They are found throughout the United States and include rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, and coral snakes.

The pit viper family is made up of several species, including the copperhead, cottonmouth, and various types of rattlesnakes. You can find the list of pit viper species in the Viperidae family table, which includes names like the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake and the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.

One of the key characteristics of pit vipers is the presence of a deep pit on each side of the head, midway between the eye and nostril. This is a distinguishing feature that sets them apart from non-venomous snakes.

The scales on the underside of the tail of pit vipers typically go all the way across in one row. This is a characteristic that can be used to identify pit vipers, but it's worth noting that there are some exceptions.

In very bright light, the pupil of a pit viper may be a vertical line due to extreme contraction to shut out light. This is because the pupil of pit vipers is vertically egg-shaped, unlike the perfectly round pupil of non-venomous snakes.

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The Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake is a small, venomous snake found in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. It's distinguished by a ridge along each side of its nose.

This snake is part of the Crotalus genus, which includes several species of rattlesnakes. Crotalus willardi, the scientific name for the Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake, is one of the species in this genus.

The Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake is a relatively small snake, but it's still capable of delivering a painful bite. If you're venturing into its territory, be sure to maintain a respectful distance and keep an eye out for this snake's distinctive nose ridges.

Here's a list of some other rattlesnakes you might encounter in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico:

If you're bitten by a venomous snake, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Non-venomous snakes have perfectly round pupils, which is a distinguishing characteristic from pit vipers.

Their shed skin often shows the same characteristics as their living bodies, including the arrangement of scales on the underside of the tail.

Snakes in North America come in various types, each with unique habitats. Water snakes spend a lot of time underwater.

Some species of green snakes live in trees, while others prefer cool, dark, and moist areas like gardens with mulch.

Boas and Pythons are two of the most popular pet snakes in the world, and for good reason. They're generally docile, easy to care for, and come in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Boas are native to Central and South America, and can grow up to 12 feet in length. Pythons, on the other hand, are found in Africa and Asia, and can reach lengths of up to 20 feet.

Boas are known for their constricting abilities, which they use to kill their prey. Pythons, however, are also constrictors, but they're generally more aggressive than Boas.

In captivity, Boas and Pythons require a large enclosure with plenty of ventilation and a heat source. They're also carnivores, and feed on small mammals like mice and rats.

Colubridae is a large and diverse family of non-venomous snakes that includes over 2,000 species. They are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Some species of Colubridae, like the Garter Snake, are common and widespread, while others, like the Blind Snake, are relatively rare and poorly understood.

Colubridae snakes are often slender and agile, with a variety of patterns and colors. They are generally harmless to humans, but can be venomous in some cases.

The Colubridae family includes both terrestrial and arboreal species, with some species, like the Green Snake, being excellent climbers.

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The Coral snake is a venomous snake known for its bright red, yellow, and black bands.

These bands can be remembered by the rhyme "Red touch yellow, kill a fellow; red touch black, venom lack", but remember this only applies to North American Coral snakes.

The Texas Coral Snake is found in Texas and Louisiana, and has similar banding patterns to other Coral snakes.

It's worth noting that the Harlequin Coral Snake is similar in appearance and is found in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana.

For another approach, see: Black Snakes in North America

The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is a distinctive creature, easily recognized by its tail rattle and diamond pattern.

They typically have robust bodies and a wide, triangular head, making them a formidable sight.

You can find Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes in the western north America, specifically in baja California.

For your interest: Diamondback Water Snake Range Map

Sidewinders are known for their unique sideways movement.

Their distinctive appearance features horn-like scales over their eyes.

These snakes inhabit desert regions, where their ability to move sideways can be an advantage.

Their habitat choice likely helps them to conserve energy and stay cool in the hot desert environment.

There are 150 snake species that call North America home, which is a pretty staggering number.

These snakes are incredibly diverse, with some species being venomous and others harmless.

In fact, 150 snake species is a lot to wrap your head around, especially if you're not familiar with reptiles.

You might be surprised to know that many of these snakes are relatively small, with some species growing to only a few feet in length.

Some of the most common snakes you'll find in North America are harmless, like the garter snake, which is often found in backyards and gardens.

These snakes are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of environments.

If you really do want to learn about snakes, get a field guide at the library or bookstore. These will have information on the geographic ranges and that will allow you to narrow your search.

To identify a snake, you'll need to know its geographic range, which can be found in a field guide.

Snakes can be a problem for some people, especially those who are afraid of them. The fear they incite is reason enough to not want them around.

Their presence can also cause painful bites, which can be especially dangerous if the snake is venomous. Venomous species can deliver fatal bites.

While some people might view snakes as pests, their presence can benefit property owners by controlling rodent and insect populations.

Snakes rarely leave signs of their presence, making it a challenge to detect them.

To identify potential snake habitats, look for paths in dust, which can indicate where a snake has been moving.

Disturbances in soil can also be a sign of snake activity, requiring a careful eye to notice.

Skins of snakes are sometimes found in attics and crawl spaces, often shed by the snake as it grows.

Skins shed by snakes tend to be 20% longer, on average, than the total length of the snake that shed it.

These subtle signs can help you detect potential snake problems in your home.

Texas is the state with the most snake species, with a whopping 68 different species calling it home. Nevada is a close second, with 52 species of snakes. Alaska, on the other hand, is snake-free due to its cold climate.

The Western United States is a hotbed of snake activity, with species like the California mountain kingsnake, rubber boa, and common garter snake found in abundance. The southern states are home to a diverse range of snakes, including eastern racers, southern watersnakes, and Great Plains ratsnakes.

The northeastern region of the U.S. is also home to a variety of snakes, including the milk snake, northern black racer, northern water snake, and smooth green snake. Snakes come in a range of colors, from black and brown to green and orange.

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Snakes can be a nuisance due to the fear they incite in people.

Their sharp teeth make them capable of inflicting painful bites.

Venomous species are especially hazardous because their bites can be fatal.

Some species of snakes are venomous, posing a significant threat to humans.