BEWARE of the 6 poisonous snakes in Arkansas
- 1. Copperhead The Copperhead is a venomous snake that is found statewide in Arkansas. ...
- 2. Cottonmouth Like the Copperhead, the Cottonmouth is also a venomous snake that is found statewide in Arkansas. ...
- 3. Texas Coral Snake You will most likely only run into the Texas Coral Snake in Southern Arkansas. ...
- 4. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake ...
- 5. Western Pigmy Rattlesnake ...
- 6. Timber Rattlesnake ...
Full Answer
What five poisonous snakes are in Arkansas?
Venomous native snakes present in Arkansas are the:eastern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)northern cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)western diamond-backed rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)western pigmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius)More items...
What are the six venomous snakes in Arkansas?
Here are the state's six venomous snakes, and what to know about them.Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. (Crotalus atrox) ... Timber Rattlesnake. (Crotalus horridus) ... Copperhead. (Agkistrodon contortrix) ... Cottonmouth. (Agkistrodon piscivorus) ... Texas Coral Snake. (Micrurus tener) ... Snake Prevention.
Are pit vipers in Arkansas?
The pit vipers found in Arkansas include two members of the genus Agkistrodon, the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous) and the copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). Occurring statewide, the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous) is most commonly seen near water.
What are the top 3 poisonous snakes?
Here are 10 snakes whose venom not only packs a punch for small prey but that can take out humans.Inland taipan. Inland taipans are the deadliest snakes in the world. (Coastal taipan. ... King cobra. ... Banded krait. ... Saw-scaled viper. ... Russell's viper. ... Eastern tiger snake. ... Boomslang. ... More items...•
What is the deadliest animal in Arkansas?
The Most Deadly Animal in Arkansas: Deer But in reality, deer cause the highest number of fatalities in many states. According to State Farm Insurance, there were 20,710 collisions with vehicles and deer last year, and that is just in Arkansas!
Is killing snakes illegal in Arkansas?
It is illegal to kill snakes in Arkansas unless they pose an immediate threat to people, pets or property, and most cases of snakebites are the result of people accidentally stepping on an unseen snake or purposefully agitating or trying to kill it.
What's the largest snake in Arkansas?
The largest and most dangerous snake in Arkansas is the timber rattlesnake.
Do moth balls keep snakes away?
Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes, but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes.
Do copperheads swim?
But copperheads, like northern water snakes, swim and can be found near water across the region. So, if a snake is not easily identifiable as a non-venomous water snake, it is best to beware. Northern water snakes can grow up to three feet long, and females are larger than males.
Which snake bite kills fastest?
The black mamba, for example, injects up to 12 times the lethal dose for humans in each bite and may bite as many as 12 times in a single attack. This mamba has the fastest-acting venom of any snake, but humans are much larger than its usual prey so it still takes 20 minutes for you to die.
What is the number 1 deadliest snake?
The saw-scaled viperThe saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) may be the deadliest of all snakes, since scientists believe it to be responsible for more human deaths than all other snake species combined. Its venom, however, is lethal in less than 10 percent of untreated victims, but the snake's aggressiveness means it bites early and often.
What snake kills the most humans in the US?
eastern diamondback rattlesnakeThe eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) kills the most people in the US, with the western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) ranking second.
Where are the venomous snakes found in Arkansas?
The Timber Rattlesnake, which is also known as the Canebrake Rattlesnake, can be found in a wide variety of habitats in Arkansas. Look for these venomous snakes in lowland thickets, high areas around rivers and flood plains, agricultural areas, deciduous forests, and coniferous forests.
What happens when you are bitten by a copperhead?
Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding or blistering around the bite. Severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)
Are Cottonmouths aggressive?
Cottonmouths are not aggressive and avoid direct contact with people and pets. Most bites occur when the snakes are intentionally molested or accidentally stepped on.
Do moth balls keep snakes away?
Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes, but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes.
What snake has red and yellow bands?
Of the three above pictured snakes, notice that the coral snake has distinct red and yellow bands, but the other two "mimic species" have red markings bordered by black.
What is the purpose of venomous snakes?
Venomous snakes use venom (specialized saliva) to capture their food. Six species of venomous snakes occur in Arkansas, but many harmless snakes are accused of being venomous.
What is a cottonmouth snake?
Occurring statewide, the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous) is most commonly seen near water. It is one of the more aggressive of the venomous snakes found in Arkansas. The top photo shows the posture of an aggravated cottonmouth. The name "cottonmouth" refers to the light coloration of the mouth, which often is exposed as a warning ...
Why do rattlesnakes bite humans?
It has been argued that the rattle of the rattlesnakes is a secondary means of protection: if their camouflage has failed to protect them from being detected, the rattle can serve as a warning to avoid the need for defense through a bite. The venom is used to capture prey and biting a large organism would be a waste of their means of obtaining food. Thus, biting a human would be a last resort for a snake that feels extremely threatened. Using caution in outdoor activities is the easiest way to avoid a painfully negative encounter.
What is a copperhead?
The name "cottonmouth" refers to the light coloration of the mouth, which often is exposed as a warning (bottom photo). The copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) occurs statewide and is most commonly seen in terrestrial habitats. Its coloration allows it to blend in very well with the leaves on the ground.
What is the name of the snake that mimics coral?
Also, another non-venomous snake called the scarlet snake (Cemophora coccinea - pictured left) is a harmless mimic of the coral snake. There is an old adage to help distinguish these venomous versus harmless species ...
Do snakes have a round pupil?
By contrast, most non-poisonous snakes have a round pupil, such as the black rat snake ( Elaphe obsoleta - bottom photo). Note: the coral snake also has a round pupil.
How many snakes are there in Arkansas?
As the weather warms up and people become more active outdoors, so do snakes. While most kinds of snakes in Arkansas are non-venomous, there are six venomous snakes that need to be left alone.
How to prevent being bitten by a venomous snake in Arkansas?
Other tips. Whether your working in the yard, hiking, hunting, or fishing, there are a few tips offered in the "Arkansas Snake Guide" to prevent being bitten by a venomous snake. • Be alert. Snakes are naturally camouflaged and blend well into their surroundings.
What does the yellow band on a snake mean?
The yellow bands on this small but venomous snake make it stand out among the snakes found in Arkansas and lend to the old saying "Red touch black, venom lack. Red touch yellow, kill a fellow.". These snakes feed on lizards and other small snakes.
What color is a copperhead?
The Copperhead is recognized by its rusty color and hourglass pattern along its back. However, these pit vipers can have gray, brown, or reddish crossbands with a head that is also either gray, brown or reddish. The belly is cream-colored with dark gray, brown, or black blotches.
How many people die from snake bites a year?
There are about 7,000 people who are bitten by a venomous snake a year in the United States. On average, less than six of those people die from the bite.
What is the color of a rattlesnake's tail?
These are found statewide in Arkansas. The head and body of the Timber Rattlesnake pit viper can be gray or yellowish-brown with 15 to 34 V-shaped black bands on the body. The tail is black and the origin of the nickname "velvet-tail rattler." Adults average 36 to 60 inches in length. According to the "Arkansas Snake Guide," researchers have observed radio-tagged, medium-sized adults in trees, presumably in search of prey.
How big do rattlesnakes get?
Adults average 36 to 60 inches in length. According to the "Arkansas Snake Guide," researchers have observed radio-tagged, medium-sized adults in trees, presumably in search of prey. The Timber Rattlesnake lives in both hardwood and pine forests, bottomland, rocky or brushy fields and hillsides.
How many venomous species are there in Arkansas?
Tune in as Education Specialist, Danielle Simmons, profiles 4 of the 6 species of venomous species found in Arkansas.
How big is a Coon Tail rattler?
Pair of pale stripes on the sides of the head. Young are patterned like adults. Adults average 36-60 inches in length; rare individuals up to 72+ inches.
What is the biggest snake in Arkansas?
The timber (also called cane brake) rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, is another extremely dangerous pitviper in the state. It is a large, heavily bodied snake that attains a maximum total length of 189 cm; the largest specimen from Arkansas measured 132 cm.
What snakes are in Arkansas?
There are two families of venomous snakes in the state: Elapidae (a single elapid species, the Texas coral snake) and Viperidae (five species of pitvipers). All of Arkansas’s venomous snakes inject venom through fangs via muscular contraction of paired venom glands. Texas Coral Snake .
How to tell if a snake is envenomated in Arkansas?
This snake is the most dangerous species in Arkansas and should be treated as such. A typical case of envenomation by C. atrox shows extreme pain at the victim’s bite site with swelling progressing along the bitten limb toward the body. A bruise-like discoloration with concomitant blistering and ecchymosis soon appears at the bite and may involve the entire bitten area. Physiological symptoms include increased pulse rate, hypotension, weakness, sweating, faintness, dizziness, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Death, if it occurs, usually happens within six to twenty-four hours after the bite from a drop in hemoglobin, abdominal bleeding, hemorrhaging of major organs, and acute pulmonary edema.
How long does it take for a snake to recover in Arkansas?
Unless the victim is very young or old, most recover completely and uneventfully in a matter of days. Other Mildly Venomous Snakes. Although there are other snakes in Arkansas that are considered mildly venomous, they are of no real concern to humans.
Where are copperheads found in Arkansas?
Ecological studies on southern copperheads have been conducted on populations primarily in the northeastern part of the state. Eighty-six percent of adult females examined in Arkansas were reproductively active. Copperheads give birth to live young, and there are from five to six young in an average litter. The southern copperhead is one of the most abundant venomous snakes in Arkansas. For example, during a two-month period in 1933, fifty A. contortrix were killed at a lumbering operation near Paragould (Greene County).
Which state has the most snake bites?
When compared to other states, North Carolina had the most people who suffered venomous snakebites in a single year (nineteen percent of all venomous snakebites), followed by Arkansas with seventeen percent, and Texas with fifteen percent. Half of all bites occur in the age group eighteen to twenty-eight years, with more men being bitten than women.
When do rattlesnakes give birth in Arkansas?
Nothing is available about western diamondback rattlesnake reproduction in Arkansas. Females are thought to give birth to live young in Arkansas in September, and in other parts of their range in Texas from August to October, with litter size ranging from four to twenty-five.
How many snakes are there in Arkansas?
Of the 39 species of native snakes in Arkansas, only six are venomous (Table 1). Several excellent resources are available for identifying snakes.
What is the FSA number for Native Snakes of Arkansas?
To see references or print this information download our publication Native Snakes of Arkansas FSA-9102
How do I avoid snake encounters?
Understanding snakes and their habits can help with avoiding being bitten. Oftentimes movies and the media play upon people’s fear of snakes. Snakes do not purposefully try to do harm. A venomous snake observed from a distance and left alone is completely harmless.
How do I deal with snake problems?
There are several options for dealing with snake problems including habitat modification, exclusion from buildings, capture/release of nonvenomous snakes, constructing a snakeproof fence or birdhouse and leaving them alone.
What is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission?
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission enforces regulations which prohibit killing nongame species, including venomous and nonvenomous snakes, except under limited circumstances . Commission code allows nongame wildlife (excluding bats, migratory birds and endangered species) that pose a reasonable threat to persons or property to be taken. Presumably a venomous snake which is endangering others, especially children, can be dispatched.
Why do snakes bite?
Most snakebites occur when snakes are harassed or threatened, such as when attempting to harm or kill them. Snakes have only a few means of defense. Most rely on their camouflage. A study by the Missouri Department of Conservation reported copperheads tracked with radio telemetry avoided human activity. When humans were nearby, copperheads remained quiet to avoid detection as their primary defense. A snake’s camouflage makes them well-suited to hiding undetected in locations where prey species are likely to be present. Snakes wait for their prey underneath or beside logs, rocks and debris.
How to identify venomous snakes?
The best way to identify venomous snakes is by their color patterns (Figure 3) . Many nonvenomous snakes are mistaken as venomous. Some possess color patterns which mimic venomous snakes (Figure 4). This is especially true for juveniles which may not resemble adult coloration.
Why are snakes important in Arkansas?
Snakes in Arkansas are necessary to a healthy ecosystem. Helping people understand snakes can not only take away some of the fear that people have, but also help people understand the importance of protecting and supporting snake populations. Most snakes avoid people, so the next time you’re hiking in Arkansas and are surprised by a snake, be aware that it’s likely more surprised by your presence.
What is the name of the snake that plays dead?
If you’ve spent time around online snake enthusiasts, then you’ve likely seen people referring to snakes as “drama noodles”, and the Eastern Hognose is the epitome of this. These snakes are known for playing dead in the most dramatic fashion by flipping themselves on their backs and gaping their mouth open when startled or threatened. They are nonvenomous and can be good pets.
What do Dekay's brown snakes eat?
They are primarily nocturnal and tend to hide under objects. The majority of their diet consists of insects, like grubs and earthworms, and they have specialized teeth that allow them to remove snails’ bodies from their shells. They will opportunistically eat small animals they encounter under rocks and logs, though, like small salamanders. They do not typically do well in captivity and it’s not unusual for juveniles to die in captivity before reaching adulthood.
What is a cottonmouth snake?
They are carnivorous snakes that consume all manner of aquatic life, including frogs, fish, and other snakes. These snakes are dark-colored, which allows them to blend into the water’s surface effectively. It’s obvious that Cottonmouths are powerful swimmers, but they are also adept at climbing trees, although they rarely do so.
What do rough earth snakes eat?
They spend most of the time hiding under objects like logs in search of prey. They primarily eat insects and small animals, like frogs. They do not make good pets because they rarely thrive in captivity, although some people do keep them as pets.
Is a Speckled Kingsnake venomous?
Another widely misunderstood, nonvenomous snake, the Speckled Kingsnake is a large, beautiful snake that is excellent for pest control. They are especially prized for consuming other snakes, including venomous snakes, although they rarely cannibalize other Speckled Kingsnakes. They are generally docile snakes that are popular as pets, but captive-bred snakes are usually more even-keeled than wild-caught. They enjoy foraging and enjoy “sniffing” out prey with their tongue.
Is a cottonmouth a water snake?
Another commonly encountered venomous snake, Cottonmouths are also a water snake in Arkansas. They also go by the name “Water Moccasin”. They are pit vipers like Copperheads, but they have more potent venom and a more powerful bite, making them more dangerous to humans. However, their bites are not typically deadly in adults.
