How To Identify Venomous Vs. Nonvenomous Snakes
on Aug 14, 2020 • Updated Jan 15, 2025
Some people love spending time outdoors with their family, whether they’re kayaking on the lake or enjoying a hike through the mountains. If that’s you and you haven’t already, it’s likely that you’ll encounter a snake or two at some point during your time in the great outdoors. Knowing the difference between a venomous and nonvenomous snake can literally be the difference between life and death.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAoMHEwG-L4/?hl=en
One of the fastest ways to tell whether a snake is venomous is to look at the snout. A rounded snout indicates that the snake is not venomous, while a pointed snout indicates that a snake is venomous.
Another way to tell whether a snake is venomous is to look for a heat-sensing pit, a small cavity behind the nostril that is only present in venomous snakes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDTtMk1naUd/
Checking out the snake’s eyes (if you’re willing to get that close) is also a simple way to tell whether a snake is venomous. A non-venomous snake will have a round pupil (just like a human’s eye), whereas a venomous snake will have an elliptical pupil (similar to that of a cat).
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-xbbPSHOgR/
Of course, it’s always best to proceed with caution. If you’re bitten by a snake, be sure to seek medical attention, and describe the snake as best you can to your doctor so they can provide appropriate treatment.
