Dangerous Snakes in The United States

What is the most dangerous snake in the United States?

According to experts, several venomous species of snakes are found in the USA. However, among these, the timber rattlesnake is the most dangerous species in the country. The issue with this snake is that its habitat extends across the Eastern half of the United States. You can find timber rattlesnakes in Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Central Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New England. As the habitat of this snake is quite extensive, it is not unusual to come across it in parks, forests, woods, and other areas with a vegetation cover. The problem with the snake is that it can be dangerous to both humans and pets. If your home is near a wooded region, there are chances of a timber rattlesnake entering into your garden from the woods. This becomes necessary to set up traps to catch the snake.

The reason for the snake being dangerous for humans is that it tends to attack people. Snakes are shy creatures and will not attack people unless they feel threatened. In the case of the timber rattlesnake, habitat loss forces the reptile to enter human habitats. This makes it necessary to look for food in the vicinity of humans. Humans feel threatened when seeing the snake and tend to attack it, and as a result, the snake often bites its attackers. Its venom is a neurotoxin, which can even result in the victim’s death. The snake is one of the most dangerous because it has a significant habitat and lives near humans. You will find that the timber rattlesnake is responsible for the most human attacks in the USA compared to the other snake species.

If you are thinking of only the toxicity of the venom, then the most dangerous snake in the USA is the yellow belly snake. But this snake has never caused a human death, primarily because it never leaves the water. The yellow-belly snake lives in the sea, and its venom contains different neurotoxins and two isotoxins. The combination is lethal for the prey and any human should it attack a yellow belly. The yellow belly is found in Southern California, Hawaii, and parts of the Pacific Ocean.

Where are the deadliest snakes in the US?

In the USA, you will find several venous species of snakes primarily because the country has different habitats suitable for snakes’ survival. For instance, you have thick forests that offer snakes like cottonmouths and coral snakes the perfect habitat for survival. Similarly, you have semi-regions that are favored by different species of rattlesnakes. When you try to identify whether a snake you find has made a home in your garden is venomous, you must look for features such as the shape of the head and eyes.

Venomous snakes have distinctive eyes, whereas the pupils resemble cats. The slit is perpendicular, and its eyes will be yellow. The shape of the head of a venomous snake will be triangular, while that of a non-venomous snake will be more circular. These are the distinctive features of venomous snakes. Some of the deadliest snakes that are found in the USA are as follows –

• Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake – This is the biggest venomous snake in the USA. It is also a massive snake that can grow up to eight feet and weigh up to thirty-five pounds. The venom of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake is quite toxic, and if it bites a human being, it can prove to be quite lethal unless you can provide the antivenom quickly. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is found in Eastern Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. The venom of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake contains peptides that can cause cardiac arrest and hemorrhage, which can be fatal. To render the toxin ineffective, inject the bite victim with significant doses of CroFab antivenom.
• Western Diamondback Rattlesnake – This brownish snake has quite distinctive scales on its body that set it apart from other snakes. According to experts, this reptile is reclusive, and although its bite is quite dangerous, it is known to avoid human contact. It will not attack humans unless provoked. The western diamondback rattlesnake has an extensive habitat. You will find this snake in Western California, Mexico, and Canada. Both western and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are responsible for 20% of snakebite fatalities in the USA. The preferred habitats of the western diamondback rattlesnake are marshlands, sandy deserts, and rocky mountainous regions. The ability of the western diamondback rattlesnake to adjust to diverse natural conditions makes it easy to find this snake in different parts of the USA.
• Coral snake – This snake is dangerous because its venom is a potent neurotoxin. You can quickly identify the snake by its bright black and red body. The red stripes with smaller yellow encircling stripes are the distinctive features of the snake. The coral snake is smaller compared to other venomous snakes. However, this does not make the snake bite any less lethal. If you see a coral snake, it is best that you avoid disturbing it and take a separate path. The coral snake is found primarily in North Carolina and Florida. These snakes are found mainly in pine flatwoods and sandhills. These snakes are nocturnal, which makes the reptile less fatal for humans because of the chances of encountering these snakes.
• Copperhead snake – The copperhead is from the family of vipers; hence, it will be venomous. You will find that the snake can range from 36 to 48 inches in length. The copperhead is a moderately stout snake. You will find that a copperhead can weigh from half a pound to three-fourths of a pound. The venom of a copperhead is mild. The bite might not be fatal, but it is best that you get an antivenom injection. Copperhead snakes are not known to cause fatalities, but if the bite is left untreated, it can lead to complications. The unique feature of a copperhead is that it is a reclusive snake. It will not attack you unless it is provoked. Moreover, its attack is a two-strike attack, which means when it bites you for the first time, it will not administer the venom. It will administer the poison into your bloodstream when it strikes you for the second time. Hence, it is best that when you see a copperhead or hear it hissing, change your path and avoid provoking it.
• Cottonmouth or the water moccasin – This snake is known for the maximum number of snake bites. You can quickly identify a cottonmouth by the distinctive circular markings on its body. The cottonmouth is a semi-aquatic snake whose habitat is near a body of water. Cottonmouths are aggressive snakes, and these can strike even without a provocation. You will find that a cottonmouth is quick to assume a strike-ready pose and will start hissing the moment it senses the presence of a human being. Avoid antagonizing a cottonmouth because the snake strikes with significant Its fangs will dig into your flesh as it injects the venom into your bloodstream. The only positive feature of the attack is that the poison of a cottonmouth is not fatal for humans. It is mildly toxic, and you will feel the effects of the venom as being painful and, in some instances, oedema. However, with quick treatment, you can manage the problem, and you will find that the cottonmouth bite will not have a lasting effect on your body. The cottonmouth is mainly in Texas, Arkansas, Florida, Virginia, and Illinois.
• Mojave rattlesnake – This is the most dangerous rattlesnake and is known to warn its victims by rattling the edge of its tail. If you ever hear the telltale sound of a rattlesnake, it is best to avoid the region. The Mojave rattlesnake is distinguished by the green color of its scales, from which its name derives. The Mojave greens where the snake is found offer excellent camouflage to the reptile; hence, it is called the Mojave rattlesnake. This rattlesnake species is found in Arizona, California, Utah, New Mexico, and parts of Texas. You will find that the snake prefers arid regions with minimum vegetation. This allows the snake to camouflage itself. This snake is quite big and can grow up to four feet long. You will find that it is a stout snake and can weigh from six to twenty pounds. This snake has a significant bite force and is known to hunt lizards, smaller snakes, and even mammals like rabbits and rats. The venom of the Mojave rattlesnake is quite lethal as it contains neurotoxins that contain hemophagic elements. If a Mojave rattlesnake bites you, you must get an antivenom administered immediately to prevent significant organ damage. It can take 24 hours for the effect of the venom to become evident. However, by then, it can be too late. Hence, it is best that you get an antivenom injection administered immediately if a Mojave rattlesnake bites you.
• Massasauga Rattlesnake – The Massasauga rattlesnake is a smaller species of rattlesnake found chiefly in Ontario, Michigan, and Missouri, and you can spot some of these even in Mexico. As this snake is smaller than the other rattlesnakes, the chances of a Massasauga rattlesnake increase significantly. The size of the Massasauga rattlesnake rarely crosses 24 inches, so the snake often goes undetected. You might unknowingly encounter the snake’s habitat, and the reptile might perceive it as a threat. If a Massasauga rattlesnake attacks you, it is best that you get treated for the bite. The antivenom of the snake is quite generic. However, most of the fatalities occur if the bite is left untreated. Thus, in case of a snake bite, you should visit an emergency room and get an antivenom injection.
• Prairie Rattlesnake – This snake is found mainly in Colorado, Washington, and This giant snake can grow up to five feet in length. The snake has a significantly high bite force, making it easier to deliver the venom. The snake’s venom is a neurotoxin. Hence, if the prairie rattlesnake bites you, you should visit the emergency room immediately and get an antivenom. The behavior of the venom is to damage the nervous system so that the functions of your organs can stop, making the snake bite lethal for humans.

Thus, several snake species in the USA are venomous and dangerous for humans. The best way to avoid coming across such snakes is to become aware of their habitats and be careful when moving through such regions during your hikes, walks, adventures, or travels. Similarly, if you feel that any such dangerous snake has strayed into your garden, you can set up a trap to catch and release it in the wild. If you are worried about doing it alone, you can ask an expert to set up the trap and remove the snake in the wild.