Milk snakes are great pets, especially for beginners, because they are calm and don’t need too much attention. Because of their docile ways and beautiful color, they are commonly kept as pets.ĭon’t let the appearance of these snakes fool you: they may look deadly, but these cold-blooded creatures are most likely less dangerous than your cat. They are usually black, red, and yellow with bands around their body. So what exactly is a milk snake and are they dangerous? Milk Snakes are a breed of kingsnake that is non-venomous and has a calm temperament. These snakes are amazing and interesting, and I would love to share what I found out about them with you. Keep the victim calm and quiet, and proceed to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.While I was researching snakes that make great pets, I found myself drawn to milk snakes. Finally, treat any poisonous snake bite (which can be identified by one, or usually two, puncture wounds) seriously.I know of only one documented human death caused by a copperhead bite. That’s because copperheads are smaller, they deliver less venom, and their venom is weaker than rattlesnake venom. Though copperheads are more common and widespread than rattlesnakes, their bite is much less dangerous.To avoid accidental encounters with snakes, watch where you place your hands and feet when exploring woods and fields, especially rocky areas. Their instinct is to slither away when disturbed, not attack. They eat insects, mice, rats, and other small rodents. Most snakes, even poisonous ones, are beneficial.Though the subject of snakes is distasteful to many, here are a few points to ponder as I beg for mercy on snakes’ behalf. I understand people’s desire to rid their backyards of poisonous copperheads, but I’m certain many of the “copperheads” killed each year are milk snakes and juvenile black rat snakes. But if you’re close enough to hack a snake with a hoe, you’re close enough to detect a copperhead’s triangular head. I admit some of the characteristics that distinguish copperheads cannot be seen from a distance. Young rat snakes also have patterns that mimic copperheads, and each year countless rat and milk snakes are unfortunately killed in cases of mistaken identify. A milk snake’s white belly is marked with black squares that create a checkerboard effect. Lastly, a copperhead’s belly is unmarked and cream colored. The copperhead’s saddles, on the other hand, are most narrow on the back and wider on the sides. The milk snake’s “saddles” are bordered in black and are widest across the back. The basic color of each is rusty brown, but the copperhead has a much richer copper tone.įurthermore, both species have dark bands that cross over the back and reach down the sides. ConfusingĪt a glance, milk snakes and copperheads can be confusing. They are not typically found in backyards. Poisonous pit vipers such as copperheads and rattlesnakes, have triangular heads, vertical pupils and prominent heat sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils. In death, green snakes quickly turn blue as unstable yellow pigments break down leaving only the more stable blue pigments behind.īlack rat (up to seven feet long) and eastern milk snakes (up to four feet) are the most intimidating species that occur in backyards and the only ones whose bite might break the skin. They blends in perfectly with lush vegetation, so they often fall victim to lawn mowers. Smooth green snakes (up to 22 inches) are bright lime green. Ringneck snakes (up to 20 inches) are charcoal gray with a gorgeous yellow or orange ring around its neck. Garter snakes (seldom longer than 36 inches) can be recognized by three longitudinal stripes that run the length of the body. Most snakes encountered in a backyard setting are harmless.
“The only good snake is a dead snake,” they say with authority.” But those are the voices of ignorance. These are the people who kill every snake they find. When I peek under this cover, I usually find at least one beautiful little ringneck snake, juvenile rat snake or young milk snake. In fact, I place pieces of sheet metal and plywood lying strategically, but inconspicuously, on the edges of the yard as snake habitat. Having them near the house is a good thing. I’m not about to kill a snake simply because it has the audacity to breathe the same air we do.” And then I launched into my standard “defense of snakes” lecture. “What are you going to do about it?” she asked/demanded. Last week my wife informed me she had seen the first big black rat snake of the year stretched across the road in front of our house.
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