How To Tell A Poisonous From A Non-Poisonous Snake In Kansas
The features given here apply only to Kansas snakes and may not be applicable elsewhere. Even in Kansas, there are some non-poisonous snakes which exhibit either the tail or eye characteristics given for poisonous snakes, but none have the pit. It probably need not be pointed out that these features can be seen only when the snake can be examined closely. Certainly, every snake should not be picked up to look for these characteristics! A warning is necessary at this point—reflex action can cause an apparently “dead” snake to bite, so do not handle “dead” snakes with the hands; use a stick. The best way to be able to identify a poisonous snake is to know all of the venomous snakes of your region by sight. Color and pattern are distinctive and are easily learned.
POISONOUS
POISONOUS
1. Pupil of eye elliptical (cat-like) 2. Pit between eye and nostril 3. Two enlarged teeth (fangs) in front of the upper jaw 4. Scales on underside of tail in a single row
NON-POISONOUS
NON-POISONOUS