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What are the Different Types of Venomous Snakes?

A Kaminsky
A Kaminsky

Snakes are found almost everywhere in the world. Most people are not fond of them and are especially afraid of venomous snakes. Although usually not as large or powerful as their constrictor cousins, venomous snakes are certainly more deadly to humans. Venomous snakes are roughly divided into four families: elapids, viperids, colubrids and hydrophiidae. Within these families are classified the most dangerous snakes in the world.

Elapids comprise perhaps the deadliest of the venomous snakes. These snakes are classified by their smaller, fixed fangs. In this group are cobras, mambas, kraits, taipans and a host of others. The North American coral snake is also an elapid, although few bites have been recorded from this snake. Elapids often have a neurotoxic venom, which means it acts on the nervous system. People usually die from paralysis of the lungs and heart. Elapids, like most snakes, usually shun human contact, but are territorial and bite if cornered.

A Northern Pacific rattlesnake.
A Northern Pacific rattlesnake.

The viperid family is probably the most familiar one to U.S. residents, in the form of pit vipers. A pit viper has indentations on its head that sense heat, assisting it in hunting. U.S. pit vipers include copperheads, rattlesnakes and water moccasins - also known as cottonmouths. One famous South American pit viper is the bushmaster, and the fer-de-lance is found widely in Central America.

Bites from venomous snakes require anti-venom medicines administered only by medical professionals.
Bites from venomous snakes require anti-venom medicines administered only by medical professionals.

“True” vipers lack the “pit” of the New World vipers, but they all share the large, hollow, retractable fangs. The Russell’s viper, saw-scaled viper, temple viper and death adder are all examples of the true viper, as are the spectacularly colored Gaboon and rhinoceros vipers. Vipers of all kinds tend to be heavy-bodied snakes with triangular-shaped heads. Although the composition of their venom can vary, it is often hemotoxic, cardiotoxic or cytotoxic, meaning it acts on the blood, heart or skin, respectively.

The king cobra is the world's largest venomous snake.
The king cobra is the world's largest venomous snake.

Colubrids are the third family of venomous snakes. Most colubrids are only mildly venomous snakes, with their rear-mounted, grooved fangs. Such snakes as the mangrove and vine snakes are rarely dangerous to humans, but there are always exceptions to the rule, and the exceptions in this case are the African twig snake and the boomslang. Bites from these snakes are not common, but they are a medical emergency.

Although a stiletto snake can be dangerous, it lives underground and thus is rarely seen.
Although a stiletto snake can be dangerous, it lives underground and thus is rarely seen.

Not all colubrids are venomous snakes, however. Most are not, in fact. Racers, the hognose snake and king snakes are all colubrids, but none are venomous snakes. A bite from one of these snakes may require medical treatment, however, since their teeth can puncture the skin whether venom is released or not, and a lot of undesirable bacteria reside in their mouths.

Hikers may be prone to bites from venomous snakes from stepping on one that's camouflaged.
Hikers may be prone to bites from venomous snakes from stepping on one that's camouflaged.

Sea snakes are the fourth family of venomous snakes, the hydrophiidae. Although they are extremely venomous, bites are rare. Sea snakes are usually docile creatures, and rarely bite unless abused. This is a good thing, because their venom is highly neurotoxic.

Antivenin exists for the bites of almost all venomous snakes, but treatment differs. The compression bandage treatment is favored for elapid bites. Their venom is primarily neurotoxic, so a tight compression bandage is indicated to keep the venom from reaching the body before antivenin can be administered. Viper bites tend to break down skin, so a compression bandage is contraindicated for these snakebites, although for serious envenomations, the compression therapy is gaining popularity, under the theory that it is better to have tissue breakdown locally than to allow the venom throughout the rest of the body. The best field treatment in absence of a snakebite kit is to remove any jewelry or tight clothing immediately and to get the victim to a hospital.

Races are not venomous snakes, though they are of the colubrid family.
Races are not venomous snakes, though they are of the colubrid family.

Venomous snakes do not generally bite in defense. Their first instinct is to run. Also, a surprisingly high number of snakebites are “dry” bites — that is, the snake does not inject venom into the bite. This is thought to be because a snake does not have an unlimited supply of venom, and instinct tells it that an envenomed bite for defense is venom wasted for a potential meal. Venom is their hunting weapon, not a defensive one. However, every bite from a venomous snake should be treated as a medical emergency, until time and medical attention determine whether or not the bite was dry.

A compression bandage may be helpful in keeping venom from reaching the body before antivenin can be administered.
A compression bandage may be helpful in keeping venom from reaching the body before antivenin can be administered.

Most bites from venomous snakes in the U.S. come from people trying to capture or otherwise molest the snake. Accidental bites from venomous snakes come most frequently from hikers stepping on a camouflaged snake, or construction workers running across one at a site and stepping on it or touching it in some way.

The best way to avoid a snakebite of any kind while outdoors is to make a good bit of noise. Stomp around and wear boots for protection. Snakes can feel the vibration and will usually hide on their own when they sense a human’s presence.

When a venous snake, such as a rattlesnake, starts to coil, it is preparing to strike.
When a venous snake, such as a rattlesnake, starts to coil, it is preparing to strike.

Be aware of logs, crevices and piles of leaves that could conceal a snake, and use extreme caution when approaching these. If you see a snake, freeze. Allow it to move away undisturbed. Treat every snake as venomous, and your chances of being bitten decrease tremendously.

Around the house, clear out woodpiles, junk piles and so on. Snakes like quiet, undisturbed places, so keeping the yard free of debris and good nesting sites will usually keep the snake population at a minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main families of venomous snakes?

Water moccasins are venomous snakes found near the water, especially in the southern United States.
Water moccasins are venomous snakes found near the water, especially in the southern United States.

There are primarily four families of venomous snakes: Elapidae, which includes cobras, mambas, and kraits; Viperidae, encompassing vipers and rattlesnakes; Atractaspididae, with burrowing asps; and Colubridae, which contains a smaller number of venomous species like the boomslang. Each family has distinct venom characteristics and geographical distributions.

How does snake venom affect the human body?

Venomous snake bites should be treated as a situation requiring emergency medical attention.
Venomous snake bites should be treated as a situation requiring emergency medical attention.

Snake venom can have various effects on the human body, depending on its composition. Neurotoxic venom, like that of the cobra, attacks the nervous system, potentially causing paralysis. Hemotoxic venom, found in many vipers, destroys red blood cells and disrupts blood clotting. Some venoms also have cytotoxic properties, leading to tissue damage around the bite area.

Which venomous snake is considered the most dangerous to humans?

The Inland Taipan, native to Australia, is often considered the most venomous snake to humans due to its highly potent venom. However, the Saw-scaled viper is responsible for more human fatalities, especially in India, because of its aggressive nature, widespread distribution, and tendency to inhabit areas frequented by people, according to the World Health Organization.

Can you survive a venomous snake bite without treatment?

Survival from a venomous snake bite without treatment is possible but highly risky. The chances depend on the snake species, the amount of venom injected, and the individual's health condition. Immediate medical attention and antivenom administration are crucial for survival and minimizing potential long-term effects or fatalities.

What should you do if bitten by a venomous snake?

If bitten by a venomous snake, it's vital to remain calm, immobilize the bitten area, and seek emergency medical care immediately. Do not attempt to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet. Keeping the bite site at heart level and removing any constricting clothing or jewelry can help manage the spread of venom.

Are there any effective first aid treatments for venomous snake bites?

Effective first aid for a venomous snake bite includes cleaning the wound with soap and water, covering it with a clean, dry dressing, and immobilizing the affected limb at heart level. Avoid ice, heat, alcohol, or cutting the wound. The most critical step is to get to a hospital for antivenom treatment as quickly as possible.

Discussion Comments

anon962042

Molest them? How is this common, or am I misunderstanding the sentence?

anon130070

your article is very, very good learning material. thanks for submitting this.

fireflower

Are there any non-venomous snakes with slitted pupils?

anon44650

Anon42694: Dry bites are actually fairly common in pit vipers. Venom is a hunting weapon, not for defense, so using venom for defense may mean a missed meal. Having said that, any snake bite should receive prompt medical attention. Making the assumption that a bite from any unidentified snake is dry could be a deadly choice.

Anon12444: It depends on where you are living as to whether you can identify a venomous snake on sight. The best course of action is to leave all snakes in the wild strictly alone. Even a non-venomous snake can inflict a nasty bite.

anon42694

all snakes are by instinct carnivorous. moreover their natural prey are much smaller than humans so it makes no sense in thinking they only attack humans! anyway i want to ask, can you tell something more bout dry bites because they are quite rare i guess.

anon12444

How can venomous snakes be identified on sight?

anon1669

The second paragraph clearly states elapids usually avoid human contact, but may bite if cornered.

Snakes are exclusively carnivorous, and eat animals suitable to their size and environment.

Pit vipers have the familiar triangular-shaped head and eyes with vertical slits that are characteristic of many viperids. However, "round eyes" does not mean a snake is non-venomous. Mambas have extremely potent venom and their eyes are round.

From the author of this article.

anon766

are snake with round eyes not venomous?

kirinqueen

Do elapids only attack humans? This seems to be implied in the second paragraph.

Are all venomous snakes carnivorous? What do the different groups of carnivorous snakes tend to eat?

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    • A Northern Pacific rattlesnake.
      By: fivespots
      A Northern Pacific rattlesnake.
    • Bites from venomous snakes require anti-venom medicines administered only by medical professionals.
      By: S.Külcü
      Bites from venomous snakes require anti-venom medicines administered only by medical professionals.
    • The king cobra is the world's largest venomous snake.
      By: Taboga
      The king cobra is the world's largest venomous snake.
    • Although a stiletto snake can be dangerous, it lives underground and thus is rarely seen.
      By: EcoView
      Although a stiletto snake can be dangerous, it lives underground and thus is rarely seen.
    • Hikers may be prone to bites from venomous snakes from stepping on one that's camouflaged.
      By: blas
      Hikers may be prone to bites from venomous snakes from stepping on one that's camouflaged.
    • Races are not venomous snakes, though they are of the colubrid family.
      By: jose garcia
      Races are not venomous snakes, though they are of the colubrid family.
    • A compression bandage may be helpful in keeping venom from reaching the body before antivenin can be administered.
      By: nito
      A compression bandage may be helpful in keeping venom from reaching the body before antivenin can be administered.
    • When a venous snake, such as a rattlesnake, starts to coil, it is preparing to strike.
      By: Wild Geese
      When a venous snake, such as a rattlesnake, starts to coil, it is preparing to strike.
    • Water moccasins are venomous snakes found near the water, especially in the southern United States.
      Water moccasins are venomous snakes found near the water, especially in the southern United States.
    • Venomous snake bites should be treated as a situation requiring emergency medical attention.
      By: william87
      Venomous snake bites should be treated as a situation requiring emergency medical attention.