Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hello, i just have a question about coral snakes. my friend tells me that coral snakes are easy goin, non tempermental snakes. that it takes ALOT to piss them off, is this true? he also said that coral snakes are the 'american version of the cobra' is that correct? thanks! -matthew

They are pretty laid back snakes...they spend most of the day hidden, and rarely if ever bother anyone. They are in the Elapidae family meaning they are in the cobra family. I don't know if I would say they are an American cobra, but they are the only Elapidaes that live on the continent. They pack a strong neuro-toxin, which is not good at all, but they have a serious task to take up if they do try to envenomate a human. Their mouths are so small it is very hard for them to get a good hold of you, and then there are often dry bites AKA - no venom injected! Still, you must treat them like any other hot snake! Unless it is a venomoid which has had the venom glands(and possibly ducts also) removed there is always a chance that one bite could be your last! Treat them with respect, and handle them sparingly, only if you have delt with venomous before, and know the trade. Be sure to use the proper tools, and be careful as you don't want to get "hit". Those little beauties pack quite a punch!

-Steve Clark
TurtsAndTorts

I certainly do not claim to be an authority on venomous snakes, but from what I understand coral bites can be deadly, and have killed in the past. I remember an uncle telling me of a fellow soldier who was bitten by a coral and died (evidently they were training and were far from medical assistance). Whatever the case, be careful with all venomous snakes...who knows, one could be allergic to a copperhead bite and keel over dead from it.