Maryland Cooperative Extension Understanding Snakes Maryland Cooperative Extension Understanding Snakes Terry E. Poole Extension Agent Frederick County Reviewed By: Jonathan Kays Regional Extension Specialist Raymond Bosmans Regional Extension Director Boo!

Unfortunately many of us are terrified of snakes.

The problem began long ago. It seems that ever since that unfortunate encounter with the serpent in the Garden of Eden, many of us have remained afraid of snakes.

Myths About Snakes Snakes can bite their tails and roll like a wheel. Snakes have the ability to hypnotize their prey. NO!

More Snake Myths Milk snakes received their name, because they have been known to suck milk directly from a cow’s udder. Puff adders mix poison with their breath and can kill a person at a distance of 25 feet. NO! milk

More Snake Myths Old snakes have hair on them. Snakes sway to the music of the flute. NO!

More Snake Myths Snakes are vengeful! Snakes are slimy. NO!

More Snake Myths Snakes can only strike when coiled. Some snakes have stingers on their tail. NO!

More Snake Myths Rattlesnakes add a new link to their rattle every year. Snakes can chew their food. All snakes are poisonous and use it to kill their prey. NO!

More Snake Myths A snake’s fangs can be removed. All snakes lay eggs. Mortally wounded snakes won’t die until sundown. Yes and No! NO!

What are these snakes? Are they poisonous? Oh no! Garter Snakes They are non-venomous They are non-venomous.

Is this another garter snake? Yes it is another garter snake. They can come in various shades and colors.

What are these snakes? Are they poisonous? Corn Snakes They are non-venomous.

What is this snake? I bet that you think this one is poisonous! This is a corn snake too. They can vary in color. It too is non-venomous.

What is this snake? Should you fear it? Eastern Milk Snake. No, it is non-venomous.

Do you know this snake? Have you seen it around here? Coral Snake It is very venomous, “Red touch yellow, kill a fellow”. It can be found in south Florida.

What is this cute little snake? Do you think that it is dangerous? Ring-neck Snake It is non-venomous..

What are these snakes? They are scary looking, are they dangerous? Black Rat Snakes They are non-venomous and are good snakes to have around the farm. Baby Black Rat Snake

Black Rat Snakes will climb They will climb trees and feed on birds. They have been known to climb up a brick wall. They will climb up into the rafters of the barn.

This is how snakes eat their food. All snakes swallow their food whole. There are no vegetarian snakes. Excuse me, I can’t talk with my mouth full.

What is this black snake? Black Racer It is non-venomous. But it has a nasty temper. It is non-venomous. But it has a nasty temper. Oh no, not again!

What are these snakes? Are they dangerous? King Snakes They are non-venomous. They love to eat other snakes. Note: Beware of snake crossing

This should be an easy snake to name. Do you think that it is venomous? Rough Green Snake It’s a harmless little snake found around the area.

Northern Water Snake Baby This snake prefers permanently aquatic habitats. It will flatten its head when threatened and will strike and bite when molested. It is not venomous. Note that it will vary in color.

Eastern Hognose Snake Playing DeadEnjoying a Fat Toad This common snake can vary greatly in appearance. If threatened it spreads its neck like a cobra and hiss. If that fails it rolls over, plays dead, and emits a foul, rotted flesh odor. It feeds mostly on toads and is mildly venomous, but no threat to people.

This is how you can tell the difference between venomous and nonvenomous snakes. Round Cat Arrow Rounder

Do you know this snake? Is it poisonous? Copperhead Yes, it is venomous. Rat Tail

This is a feared snake in our area. Another look at the Copperhead Oh no!

Recognize this snake? Doesn’t it look a lot like the baby black snake? This is a baby copperhead. Note the yellow tip on the tail. It is still venomous. Note the hour glass markings Baby Black Rat Snake

What are these snakes? Yes, it’s a nest of baby copperheads. Note

These snakes are rare, but can be found in this area, what are they? Timber Rattlesnakes Yes, they are very venomous and are considered to be the most dangerous snakes around here.

What are these snakes? Can they be found around here? Cotton Mouth Water Moccasins They are not found around here. You need to go farther south into southern Virginia. They are very venomous. They can be found around swampy areas. Note the cottony mouth.

What should you do if you see a snake? Kill it. Scream and run away. Call the Crocodile Hunter. Leave it alone and move away. Capture and remove it.

Thank you and good luck with your snakes! I bet that you think this is a real snake. Hey, look behind you!