How can I tell the difference between a rattlesnake and a harmless non-venomous snake?
A. Rattlesnakes can usually be identified by two key characteristics that non-venomous snakes lack. First, they have a broad triangular head, narrow neck and thick body. Secondly, they have a rattle on the end of their tail. Sometimes the rattle may be broken or missing, and the small button of a baby rattlesnakes rattle may be hard to see. If you can’t quickly determine from a safe distance whether a snake is a rattlesnake or not, leave it alone.
Related Questions
- I saw a strange snake in my yard today and was wondering if it could be a rattlesnake. How can I tell the difference between harmless and dangerous snakes?
- How do you tell the difference between a eastern massasauga rattlesnake and an eastern fox snake?
- How can I tell the difference between a rattlesnake and a harmless non-venomous snake?
