How do I distinguish between rattlesnake skins& nonpoisonous snake skins?
Rattlesnakes are very dangerous creatures. While they are shy and will avoid confrontation whenever possible, their bite is poisonous and potentially deadly when they do decide to strike. While it is a good idea to assume that any snake you encounter is dangerous, there are ways of telling from a snake’s skin whether it is a rattlesnake or if it is a non-venomous species.The ScalesThe scales of a rattlesnake tend to be larger and are raised. There is an edge around the scale that is distinctive. Rattlesnakes tend to have a single row of scales on the underside of the tail while non-poisonous snakes have a double row since their scales are smaller. Rattlesnake scales also have a ridge that runs down the middle while non-poisonous snakes have scales that are smoother.HeadThe skin on rattlesnakes has two pits in the facial area that assists them in detecting the body heat of prey so they can hunt in the dark. The pits are located between the eyes and the nostrils of the rattlesnake. Non-p
