Articole, traduceri, povesti, retete etc.: How to Identify a Venomous Snake

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Nonvenomous snakes usually have a round pupil in the eye. This isn't a very good way to find out, though, since it is very hard to tell if they do or not without getting dangerously close.
Nonvenomous snakes usually have only one color. This is only most of the time so if you see a snake that is one color, don't go running up to it! Just check for other ways you can tell.
All venomous snakes in the U.S. (except for the coral snake) have an elliptical pupil like a cat's eye. It looks like a small slit in the middle of the eye.
If the snake has stripes all the way from head to tail, it's probably a nonvenomous snake.
Nonvenomous snakes have a spoon-shaped round head.
Usually, venomous snakes will have a flat head.
If the snake has a rattle on its tail, it is a rattlesnake, and therefore venomous. However, some nonvenomous snakes do rattle their tails, but lack the rattle "buttons" that sound like little salt shakers.
A venomous snake will have a small depression between the eye and the nostril. This is called a pit, which is used to sense heat in their prey.
Snakes can make it very tricky to tell the difference, so watch out!

Look up snakes in your area on the internet. It's good to know all of the snakes that live around you. If you live in an area where there are a lot of snakes, take a field guide when you go out to help you identify them.
Don't put your hands and feet where you cannot see their immediate surroundings; this is what gets a fair number of climbers bitten.
Wear boots or good shoes, thick socks and heavy slacks, (not shorts), whenever you are going into an area with a snake problem.
When in an area with both venomous coral snakes and nonvenomous milksnakes, remember this; Red touches black, its a friendly jack; Red touches yellow, you're a dead fellow. Keep in mind that this is only true in North America!

Some snakes that look like they are nonvenomous may be venomous or the other way around. Make sure you know the kinds of snakes in your area.
Stay away from all snakes. Do not harass a snake or get extra-close to it to try and identify it, unless you are already sure it is not venomous. Most snakes would prefer to avoid you.