How can you differentiate between venomous and non-venomous snakes?

You can tell venomous from non-venomous snakes by head shape, pupil shape, and scale patterns, but the safest rule is to treat any unknown snake with caution. Venomous species often show a broader, triangular head, slit-like pupils, and smaller head scales. Non-venomous snakes usually have round pupils and larger head scales. Some harmless snakes can flatten their heads to look triangular, so visual cues are not foolproof.

Key visual differences

• Head shape: Venomous snakes (e.g., pit vipers) often have a triangular or wedge-shaped head wider than the neck. Non-venomous snakes tend to have a more rounded or gently tapering head.
• Pupils: Venomous snakes commonly have elliptical, slit-like pupils; non-venomous snakes typically have round pupils.
• Scales: Venomous species often have smaller, more numerous head scales; non-venomous species may have larger head plates.
• Tail: Some guides note a sharper, abrupt tail taper in venomous snakes and a gradual taper in non-venomous ones, but this is inconsistent.

Important considerations

• Identification isn’t certain: Harmless snakes can mimic threats by flattening the head, so features can mislead.
• Keep your distance: Don’t approach or handle snakes. Even non-venomous bites can injure and get infected.
• Bite response: Venomous bites are medical emergencies; seek urgent care. Non-venomous bites usually need cleaning and a tetanus update if indicated.
• Fangs vs. teeth: Venomous snakes have specialized fangs for injecting venom; non-venomous snakes have teeth but no venom-injecting fangs.