SNAKE QUESTIONSANSWERED

A little over 4,000 described species, on every continent except Antarctica. Dozens of new species are described every year.

Yes. Snakes are legless reptiles in the suborder Serpentes, most closely related to lizards.

They flick their forked tongue to collect scent particles and press them to the Jacobson's organ in the roof of the mouth.

Small species often live 5 to 10 years in the wild. Large pythons and boas can live 20 to 30 years or more in captivity.

Venom is injected, usually through a bite. Poison harms you when you eat or touch an animal. Almost all dangerous snakes are venomous; a few, like Asian keelbacks, are also toxic.

The snake has weak venom or saliva, usually through rear fangs, that helps subdue prey but rarely causes more than local swelling in people. Garter and hognose snakes are examples.

Move away from the snake and call 911. Stay calm, remove rings and tight clothing, and keep the limb still at about heart level. Do not cut, suck, ice or tourniquet the bite. US Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.

Yes. Reflexes can trigger a bite for an hour or more after death. Never handle a freshly killed venomous snake.

By lab tests, the inland taipan of central Australia. The snakes that cause the most human deaths are vipers and cobras in South Asia and Africa.

No single rule works. Head shape and pupil shape vary, and many harmless snakes mimic venomous ones. Learn the few venomous species in your area.

Only for coral snakes in the United States, and even there it has exceptions. Do not rely on it elsewhere.

Yes. Use our contact form or post it on iNaturalist, where experts help identify sightings.

About 20 species in four groups: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths and coral snakes. Arizona and Texas have the most.

Alaska and Hawaii have no native venomous land snakes. Maine's timber rattlesnake is considered extirpated.

Typically fewer than 10 a year, out of roughly 7,000 to 8,000 venomous bites.

Remove what attracts them: rodents, wood piles, tall grass and debris. Seal gaps under doors and foundations. Commercial snake repellents are not proven to work.

Keep pets and children away, close the room door and place a towel along the gap. Call a local wildlife removal service. Do not try to catch it if you are unsure of the species.

Most are. Native snakes eat rodents and insects and are an important part of healthy ecosystems.