H1 How to Identify Snakes: A Comprehensive Guide
Patience is Key. Approach with caution and respect. Never attempt to handle a snake unless you are a trained professional.
Identifying snakes can be a fascinating and valuable skill, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a homeowner wanting to understand the wildlife in your backyard, or simply curious about the natural world. Correctly identifying a snake is crucial for determining if it poses a threat and understanding its behavior. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to accurately identify snakes, focusing on key characteristics and providing practical tips.
## Step 1: Observe from a Safe Distance
Before attempting to identify any snake, the most important thing is to maintain a safe distance. Snakes are wild animals, and even non-venomous ones may bite if they feel threatened. A distance of at least 6-10 feet is generally recommended. Use binoculars or a zoom lens on your camera if necessary to get a closer look without getting too close.
## Step 2: Note the Overall Size and Shape
* **Length:** Estimate the snake’s length. Is it a small snake (under 1 foot), a medium-sized snake (1-3 feet), or a large snake (over 3 feet)? This can help narrow down the possibilities.
* **Girth:** Observe the snake’s thickness. Is it slender, moderately thick, or heavy-bodied? A thick-bodied snake might suggest a constrictor or a venomous species.
* **Shape:** Note the overall body shape. Is it cylindrical, flattened, or keeled (with a ridge along the back)? Aquatic snakes often have a slightly flattened body.
## Step 3: Examine the Head Shape and Features
The head is a crucial area for identification, especially when distinguishing between venomous and non-venomous snakes. However, *never* rely solely on head shape, as it can be misleading.
* **Head Shape:**
* **Triangular:** A distinctly triangular head, much wider than the neck, is often associated with venomous snakes, particularly pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths). This shape is due to the presence of venom glands.
* **Oval or Rounded:** Non-venomous snakes typically have oval or rounded heads that are not much wider than their necks. The head blends smoothly into the body.
* **Eyes:**
* **Pupil Shape:**
* **Vertical Elliptical Pupils:** These cat-like pupils are common in nocturnal snakes, including many pit vipers. However, some non-venomous snakes also have elliptical pupils.
* **Round Pupils:** Most non-venomous snakes have round pupils.
* **Loreal Pit:** Pit vipers have a heat-sensing pit located between the eye and the nostril. This pit helps them detect warm-blooded prey. Look for this small depression on the side of the head.
* **Scales on Top of the Head:**
* **Large Plates:** Non-venomous snakes generally have large, plate-like scales on the top of their heads.
* **Small, Granular Scales:** Venomous snakes, especially pit vipers, often have small, irregular, granular scales on the top of their heads.
## Step 4: Observe the Color and Pattern
The snake’s color and pattern are important identifying characteristics, but they can vary significantly within a species. Consider the following:
* **Base Color:** What is the dominant color of the snake? Is it brown, gray, green, red, yellow, black, or a combination of colors?
* **Pattern:** Describe the pattern. Is it blotched, banded, striped, spotted, or uniform?
* **Blotches:** Large, irregular markings.
* **Bands:** Rings or bars that encircle the body.
* **Stripes:** Longitudinal lines running along the length of the body.
* **Spots:** Small, rounded markings.
* **Uniform:** No distinct pattern; the snake is a single color.
* **Specific Markings:** Look for distinctive markings such as diamonds, crossbands, saddles, or keels. Pay attention to the colors and shapes of these markings.
* **Belly Color:** Note the color of the snake’s belly. Is it plain, patterned, or a different color than the back?
* **Tail Markings:** Check for unique patterns on the tail, such as rattles (in rattlesnakes) or a different color than the body.
## Step 5: Examine the Scales
Snake scales are not slimy; they are dry and smooth or keeled (ridged). Scale characteristics can be helpful for identification, but they often require a closer look or even handling the snake (which should only be done by trained professionals).
* **Keeled vs. Smooth:**
* **Keeled Scales:** Scales with a raised ridge running down the center. These scales give the snake a rougher texture. Many aquatic snakes and some terrestrial snakes have keeled scales.
* **Smooth Scales:** Scales that are flat and smooth. These scales give the snake a shiny appearance.
* **Scale Rows:** The number of scale rows around the midbody can be a distinguishing feature. However, counting scale rows requires experience and is usually done by herpetologists.
* **Anal Plate:** The scale covering the vent (anus) can be either single (one scale) or divided (two scales). This is a useful characteristic for distinguishing between some species.
## Step 6: Consider the Habitat and Location
Knowing the snake’s habitat and geographic location can significantly narrow down the possibilities. Different snake species are found in different habitats and regions.
* **Habitat:**
* **Aquatic:** Is the snake found in water (lakes, rivers, streams, swamps)?
* **Terrestrial:** Is the snake found on land (forests, grasslands, deserts)?
* **Arboreal:** Is the snake found in trees or bushes?
* **Subterranean:** Does the snake burrow underground?
* **Location:**
* **Geographic Region:** Knowing the state, county, or even specific area where the snake was observed can greatly reduce the number of potential species. Consult regional field guides or online resources.
* **Elevation:** Some snake species are found only at certain elevations.
## Step 7: Observe Behavior
Snake behavior can sometimes provide clues to its identity. Consider the following:
* **Defensive Behavior:**
* **Rattling:** Rattlesnakes shake their tails as a warning.
* **Hissing:** Many snakes hiss when threatened.
* **Striking:** Some snakes will strike if they feel threatened.
* **Playing Dead:** Some snakes, like the hognose snake, will play dead when threatened.
* **Hunting Behavior:**
* **Constricting:** Constrictors wrap around their prey and squeeze until it suffocates.
* **Ambush:** Some snakes lie in wait for prey to come within striking distance.
* **Active Foraging:** Some snakes actively search for prey.
* **Diurnal vs. Nocturnal:** Is the snake active during the day (diurnal) or at night (nocturnal)?
## Step 8: Consult Field Guides and Online Resources
Once you have gathered as much information as possible, consult reliable field guides and online resources to identify the snake. Here are some helpful resources:
* **Field Guides:** Purchase a field guide specific to your geographic region. These guides typically include detailed descriptions, photographs, and range maps for local snake species.
* **Online Databases:** Reputable online databases such as the [HerpMapper](https://www.herpmapper.org/) or university extension websites often provide information on snake identification and distribution.
* **University Extension Websites:** Many university extension services have websites with information on local wildlife, including snakes. These websites are often a great source of accurate and up-to-date information.
* **Herpetological Societies:** Contact local herpetological societies for expert assistance in identifying snakes.
## Step 9: Document Your Observations (Photos and Notes)
If possible, take clear photographs of the snake from different angles. These photos will be invaluable for later identification and for seeking expert advice. Also, take detailed notes on the snake’s size, shape, color, pattern, habitat, and behavior. The more information you can gather, the better.
## Step 10: Seek Expert Assistance If Needed
If you are unsure about the identity of a snake, do not attempt to handle it. Contact a local herpetologist, animal control officer, or wildlife expert for assistance. They can help you identify the snake and provide information on its behavior and potential risks.
## Common Snake Identification Mistakes to Avoid
* **Relying solely on head shape:** As mentioned earlier, head shape can be misleading. Some non-venomous snakes can flatten their heads to mimic venomous species.
* **Misinterpreting patterns:** Snake patterns can vary significantly within a species. Do not rely solely on pattern for identification.
* **Ignoring geographic location:** Knowing the snake’s location is crucial. A snake that is common in one region may be rare or absent in another.
* **Handling snakes:** Never attempt to handle a snake unless you are a trained professional. Even non-venomous snakes can bite, and some may carry bacteria that can cause infection.
* **Getting too close:** Maintain a safe distance at all times.
## Snake Identification by Region (Example: North America)
To illustrate how location plays a role, let’s consider some common snakes found in different regions of North America:
* **Southeastern United States:**
* **Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus):** Venomous pit viper found in aquatic habitats. Dark brown or black with a thick body and a white mouth lining.
* **Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix):** Venomous pit viper with distinctive hourglass-shaped crossbands.
* **Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus):** Venomous rattlesnake with large diamond-shaped markings.
* **Black Racer (Coluber constrictor):** Non-venomous snake that is uniformly black.
* **Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis):** Non-venomous snake with stripes running along its body.
* **Southwestern United States:**
* **Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox):** Venomous rattlesnake with diamond-shaped markings and black and white bands on its tail.
* **Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer):** Non-venomous snake that mimics rattlesnakes by hissing and vibrating its tail.
* **Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum):** Non-venomous snake that is long and slender with a whip-like appearance.
* **Sonoran Coral Snake (Micruroides euryxanthus):** Venomous snake with red, yellow, and black bands (red touching yellow).
* **Northeastern United States:**
* **Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis):** Non-venomous snake with stripes running along its body.
* **Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon):** Non-venomous snake found in aquatic habitats. Often mistaken for cottonmouths.
* **Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum):** Non-venomous snake with blotched patterns. Can mimic coral snakes.
* **Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus):** Venomous rattlesnake with chevron-shaped crossbands.
## Venomous vs. Non-Venomous: Key Differences (With Caveats)
It’s important to remember that these are general guidelines and there are exceptions.
| Feature | Venomous Snakes (Pit Vipers) | Non-Venomous Snakes |
| —————– | ———————————————————— | ———————————————————— |
| Head Shape | Triangular, distinctly wider than the neck | Oval or rounded, not much wider than the neck |
| Pupils | Vertical elliptical (cat-like) | Round |
| Loreal Pit | Present (between eye and nostril) | Absent |
| Scales on Head | Small, granular scales | Large, plate-like scales |
| Rattles | Often present (rattlesnakes) | Absent |
| Coloration & Pattern | Often (but not always) bright or contrasting patterns | Wide variety of colors and patterns |
| General Body Shape | Usually more stout and heavier-bodied | Usually more slender and agile |
## Conclusion
Identifying snakes can be a rewarding and important skill. By following these steps and using reliable resources, you can learn to distinguish between different snake species and understand their behavior. Remember to always observe snakes from a safe distance and never attempt to handle them unless you are a trained professional. Respecting wildlife and understanding the natural world around us is essential for coexisting peacefully with these fascinating creatures. Always prioritize safety and consult experts when in doubt.