Snake ID

[dhal22]

Head shape is a terrible indicator.

It’s been an indicator for anybody that I’ve been around for as long as I’ve been alive. And growing up in rural Texas I saw many more snakes that here in the cooler Atlanta area. Copperheads resting under wood, stone, anything flat was standard, all ponds had cottonmouths/water moccasins, snakes were just part of life.

From AI: In North America, most venomous snakes have triangular-shaped heads that are wide at the back and narrow towards the neck. This is in contrast to non-venomous snakes, which typically have round heads. However, some exceptions exist, such as the coral snake, which has a rounded head similar to its cobra cousin.

 

[wolfmanrogers]

It’s been an indicator for anybody that I’ve been around for as long as I’ve been alive. And growing up in rural Texas I saw many more snakes that here in the cooler Atlanta area. Copperheads resting under wood, stone, anything flat was standard, all ponds had cottonmouths/water moccasins, snakes were just part of life.

From AI: In North America, most venomous snakes have triangular-shaped heads that are wide at the back and narrow towards the neck. This is in contrast to non-venomous snakes, which typically have round heads. However, some exceptions exist, such as the coral snake, which has a rounded head similar to its cobra cousin.

And lots of people misidentify snakes because of bad ID techniques, like the one you cited. Many snakes flatten their heads to appear to be venomous. Here's a great example. Proper identification is much better.

 

[rtross]

Gay.

 

[THREEJAYS]

I let good ones go , to date not had a bad one around the house

 

[seanc770]

Small copperheads have a green tipped tail, triangle heads and cat eyes. That snake is harmless to you, but beneficial to your yard. They use the green tip to lure small animals and birds. I have worked around water for the last 40 years, and most people miss identify snakes. They err on the side of killing them no matter what. I try to tell them, if not venomous, they are extremely beneficial, and sometimes carry a heafty penalty if killed. A black snake is the only predator that can/will kill a copperhead, rattler, or moccasin. If you have a snake close to your, or inside your home, they are eating the mice, rats, etc. They will leave when the food is gone. Leave them be.

 

[Timber Cruiser]

Small copperheads have a green tipped tail, triangle heads and cat eyes. That snake is harmless to you, but beneficial to your yard. They use the green tip to lure small animals and birds. I have worked around water for the last 40 years, and most people miss identify snakes. They err on the side of killing them no matter what. I try to tell them, if not venomous, they are extremely beneficial, and sometimes carry a heafty penalty if killed. A black snake is the only predator that can/will kill a copperhead, rattler, or moccasin. If you have a snake close to your, or inside your home, they are eating the mice, rats, etc. They will leave when the food is gone. Leave them be.

King snakes will also gladly kill and eat copperheads.