Get Outdoors - Prevention: Avoid Poisonous Snakes

You can avoid poisonous snakes if you are familiar with their appearance and natural behavior. Never handle a snake unless you are an expert and know precisely what to do if you are bitten.How do I recognize a poisonous snake?

Pit Vipers (including rattlesnakes, cottonmouth water moccasin, copperhead): A characteristic triangular head, vertical elliptical pupils ("cat's eyes"), two elongated and hinged fangs in the front part of the jaw, heat (infrared)-sensing facial pits on the sides of the head midway between and below the level of the eyes and the nostrils, a single row of scales on the underbelly leading to the tail (not seen in nonpoisonous snakes), and rattles on the tail (rattlesnake).

A rattlesnake's age is not determined by the number of rattles, since molting may occur up to four times a year.
Because fangs are replaced every 6 to 10 weeks in the adult rattlesnake, bites may demonstrate from 1 to 4 large puncture marks.

Coral snakes: Characterized by their color pattern, with red, black, and yellow or white bands encircling the body. A general rule is "red on yellow - kill a fellow (venomous); red on black - venom lack (nonvenomous)" The fangs are very short and fixed, and the snakes have round pupils.

How to avoid poisonous snakes.

Avoid rock ledges and wood piles which are known habitats of poisonous snakes.
Do not reach into areas (such as behind rocks) that you cannot visually examine first.
Wear adequate protective clothing, particularly boots to cover the feet and lower legs.
Never hike alone in snake territory.
Walk on clearly marked trails, and use a walking stick to move suspicious objects.
Avoid hiking at night in snake territory. Carry a flashlight and walking stick.
Do not handle snakes unless you know what you are doing. Remember that you can be bitten and envenomed by seemingly dead or nonvenomous snakes.