When you go on a picnic or walk in the park, if you encounter a snake, you need to stay calm to find the best way to handle it. Let's find out how venomous snakes differ from non-venomous snakes!
Look at the head
You may have heard that venomous snakes have triangular heads, while non-venomous snakes have oval heads. This is almost true, but it is important to remember that many snakes, even non-venomous ones, have naturally conical and triangular heads.
But venomous snakes have so-called "venomous sacs", which look like lumps of flesh on both sides of the head from the outside. Therefore, if there is a snake with a clearly triangular head in front of you, it is better to stay away from it.
Look at the Pupils
If possible, pay attention to the type of pupils the snake has. A venomous snake will most likely have elliptical pupils, like a cat's. While a non-venomous snake will have round pupils.
Find the hole between the eyes and the nose
Most snakes have a small hole on their head, located between the eyes and the nose. It is used to sense heat. This is called the sensory pit. However, if you can't see it clearly from where you are standing, you shouldn't try to get closer.
Snake Behavior
There are two things to note here. First: pay attention to the sound. Of course, this doesn't apply to all venomous snakes without exception, but if you hear a dull, slightly crackling sound, it's likely a venomous snake. Second, non-venomous snakes swim by keeping only their heads above water, while venomous snakes glide across the water with their entire bodies.
Exception: coral snake
There is one snake that is an exception to all the rules. The coral snake (also known as the pepper-tailed viper or coral snake) is venomous, with a small, round head, no suckers, and round eyes like a non-venomous snake.
However, this snake has striking colors. Notice how the red, yellow, and black alternate. If red is next to yellow, it is most likely a venomous coral snake. Also look at the snake's head: it should be black.