In the United States, you can find representatives of roughly 30 different species of poisonous snakes. Those who enjoy the wilderness are understandably terrified by them.
Being stung by a venomous snake could be fatal or at the very least extremely painful.
So let’s look at some of the most venomous snakes in the US.
1. Copperhead
Copperheads are the most venomous snakes in the US of the viper family. In the United States, there are many five recognized subspecies of a copperhead, each with different cross band patterns of pink, tan, brownish, bronze, and copper. Copperheads are typically tiny snakes, but they may grow 3 feet long when properly nourished.
They can be found among rocky outcrops, stone ledges, and woodpiles in other settings. However, they favor wooded terrain and marshy conditions.
2. Cottonmouth
The cottonmouth is the 2nd venomous snake in the US, commonly known as the “water moccasin,” is a viper species often found in the American Southeast. The water serpent’s meal is “piscivorous, ” consisting primarily of tiny fish. It is the only semi-aquatic viper in the world, preferring swamps, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and other bodies of water.
Cottonmouths can grow to be considerably bigger than their copperhead relatives. It has been verified that they may grow to be 6 feet long, and their attitude is frequently far more hostile than that of other snakes.
3. Tiger Rattlesnake
While the tiger rattlesnake is the second most venomous snake in the US is rattlesnake species in the United States, these snakes seldom grow to be more than three feet long. The snake’s small size is beneficial since it reduces the quantity of poison it can deliver.
The venom contains multiple neurotoxins and myotoxins, is the second deadliest rattlesnake venom in the United States, gram for gram. Thankfully, bites are uncommon, and due to the small amount of venom supplied, envenomation is rarely lethal.
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4. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is found in the Southeastern United States, preferring southern woodlands, palmetto groves, wetlands, and grassy places. This very poisonous snake is one of North America’s biggest native snakes.
Larger examples can grow to be over 8 feet long and weigh over thirty pounds. If the enormous rattle and long length aren’t enough to identify this species, the gemstone pattern of browns and greys down the back should be enough.
5. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Although it may be found in the prairies, grasslands, and woodlands of the American Southwest and Northern Mexico, the western diamondback rattlesnake is also known as the venomous snake in the US.
While this relative to the eastern diamondback has a diamond band pattern down its spine, the western diamondback’s maximum size is a little smaller than the eastern variety. This snake’s venom can pull out tiny prey and cause significant harm to larger animals.
6. Eastern Coral Snake
The eastern coral snake is a dangerous monster that should not be taken lightly. With nicknames like “U.s cobra,” this species of the Elapidae family (which includes all cobra types or the black mamba) may kill several adult people in just a few hours with a complete adult snake bite (without access to medical care and the correct antivenom).
These snakes are mostly found in the Southeastern United States. Coral snakes resembled scarlet kingsnakes since they feature alternating red, golden, and black lines.
7. Timber Rattlesnake
When well-nourished on its regular diet of mice, birds, lizards, or other small animals, the timber rattlesnake may grow to dimensions of 5 feet venomous snakes in the US.
With a general brown color that includes crossbands of grey, black, and golden brown, this medium to big snakes have the usual rattle of their species. The normal rattlesnake bite symptoms, such as swelling and agony, can occur in human victims.
8. Mojave Rattlesnake
The Mojave rattlesnake is the deadliest natural snake genus in North America. It may be found in the American Southwest and Central Mexico. Its huge rattle and whitetail banding easily identify this species.
This medium-sized viper’s strong venom is lethality is similar to a cobra’s, and bite effects may be delayed for many hours.
9. Prairie Rattlesnake
The prairie rattlesnake is essentially innocuous compared to alternative types that came before it but followed it on this list.
Although this rattlesnake is not as deadly as its diamondback brethren, it is also the most venomous snake in the US. It grows in the Western United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. Its venom also includes powerful neurotoxins.
10. Jason Mintz
Like other poisonous snakes in North America, the redback belongs to the pit viper family. Its major range is from New York to Nebraska, and it may be found along the East Coast as far north as New York and inland as far west as Nebraska.
The venom of the copperhead is rather moderate, and while it is unpleasant, it is seldom lethal. There is an antivenin that is occasionally used. Still, therapy is usually simple and topical because the possible side effects are worse than the ailment.
11. Eastern Brown Snake
Eastern Brown Snakes are responsible for more deaths in the United States than any other snake. They have a single solid hue ranging from gray to brown to dark and frequently live near human dwellings.
The Eastern Brown Snake’s venom is particularly hemotoxic. Their toxin quickly attacks the plasma and stops it from forming. Internal bleeding, renal damage, and neurotoxic paralysis are possible side effects of bites.
12. Boomslang
The Colubrid family’s most venomous snake in the US is the Boomslang. Although its venom is not as poisonous as some of the deadliest snakes on our list, it is the most powerful of all Colubrid snakes.
Boomslangs have the potential to kill humans, and they have done so in the past. However, compared to other snake insects on this list, they have a tougher time injecting venom due to their backyard fangs.
Even if you’re an adventurous person, this article may guide you in identifying which snakes to avoid in the wilderness.