Discover Snakes Found In Louisiana
Brown Snakes (Dekay’s Brown Snake)
If you see one of these tiny reptiles, do not panic. They are harmless and no harm will come to you. Most people think they look like lizards because they are related, but they are actually venomous snakes. Brown snakes are native to North America and South America. They are usually less than 16 inches long and weigh about 3 ounces. There are many different types of brown snakes, but they are all similar in appearance.
Common Garter Snake
Garter snakes have three stripes that run the entire length of their body. These stripes are called ventral scales. There are 15 pairs of garter snake scales along each side of their body. Their heads are diamond shaped. They have a pattern of black dots running down their backs. This is called a dorsal stripe. They have a white belly.
They live mostly in wooded areas near streams and ponds. They eat crayfish, fish, frogs, salamanders, earthworms, small birds, mice, lizards, snails and insects. They hibernate during winter months.
Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake
The Eastern hog-nosed is one of many species of harmless snakes native to North America. These snakes live throughout Louisiana, although they prefer dryer areas and aren’t usually found in wetlands due to their preference for dry ground. They’re often mistaken for rattlesnakes because they do resemble those animals, but they are much smaller and lack the rattle.
This particular snake is about 5 feet long and doesn’t have any venomous qualities. However, if it feels threatened it will use its body language to make itself seem larger and more intimidating. When confronted with danger, the snake will often lie flat on the ground and pretend to be dead. If you approach too closely, it will likely fall over onto its side and act as though it’s injured. Once you’ve left the area, it will quickly stand up and resume normal activity.
Venomous (Poisonous) Snakes In Louisiana
There are only seven types of poisonous snakes found throughout Louisiana. They include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, water moccasins, coral snakes, black widows, and timber wolves. Of those, there are three species of rattlesnake that are considered dangerous. Rattlesnakes are found in every state except Hawaii and Alaska. You may come across one while hiking, fishing, camping, or even just walking down the street. If you find yourself face to face with a rattlesnake, here are some tips to help you avoid being bitten:
• Do not run.
• Stay calm and slowly back away.
• Don’t turn your back on it.
• Try to remain still.
• Make sure you know how to identify the type of snake you’re dealing with.
• Keep children close to you.
Eastern Diamond Rattlesnake
The eastern diamondback rattles are found mainly in the southern United States. These snakes are very large and heavy. They can reach up to seven feet long and weigh over 200 pounds. Their coloration ranges from brownish yellow to dark chocolate brown.
They are known for their aggressive nature. In fact, they are considered dangerous because of their size, speed, and venomous bite. They are most active during the day and prefer dry habitats such as woods, fields, and open spaces. However, they do sometimes venture into swampy areas.
Timber Rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is one of the most dangerous snakes in North America. In fact, it is considered one of the world’s deadliest snakes because of its ability to deliver potent neurotoxins into victims. However, despite being deadly, timber rattlesnakes are rarely fatal to humans unless they bite multiple times. Most bites occur while people are handling snakes or otherwise trying to capture them.
In addition to being a very dangerous animal, timber rattlesnake bites can cause severe pain and swelling. If you do become bitten, seek medical attention immediately. Do not try to treat the wound yourself; doing so could lead to infection and even death.
Pygmy Rattlesnake
The pygmy rattlesnake is a species of pit viper native to Central America. There are four subspecies, each of which differs slightly in appearance and behavior. All are fairly similar in coloration, having dark brown to black bodies with yellowish markings along the sides. Their heads are patterned with dark stripes running down either side. They average between 3.5 and 5 inches in length.
They are usually encountered in dry forest habitats, such as woodlands, grasslands and savannas. This snake feeds primarily upon lizards, frogs, rodents and insects.
Eastern Copperhead
The Eastern copperhead snake is found throughout much of the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. They live in both wooded and open habitats, such as fields, forests, swamps, and marshes. They prefer moist environments where they can find food and shelter.
They can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh about 2 pounds. Their color ranges from brownish black to dark gray. Some individuals have yellow stripes down their backs.
Their bite is considered moderately toxic. Symptoms include burning pain, swelling, redness, blisters, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, weakness, headache, difficulty breathing, and fainting. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately.
Coral Snakes (Texas and Eastern)
The Texas coral snake is found in the southwestern part of Louisiana. They’re known for being aggressive and territorial. Their bite can cause severe pain and swelling within 15 minutes. If you see one, call local authorities immediately.
The Eastern coral snake is found in southeastern Louisiana. They’re smaller than the Texas coral snake and aren’t as aggressive. However, their bites can still cause serious problems.
