re: Snake ID. Settle a debate

quote:

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Diamond shaped head = venomous.
Oval = non venomous.

Cotton mouth.

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It's not that simple at all. MANY non-venomous snakes will flatten their heads out like this when threatened. Some, even have somewhat triangular heads when not threatened.


Here is a harmless hognosed snake:



And a harmless yellow-bellied water snake:



It is true that pit vipers have triangular heads. But Coral snakes, here in the US don't, and many venomous snakes around the world don't. And many non-venomous snakes can mimic either.

And as many of you probably know, lots of non-venomous snakes will rattle their tails in the leaves to mimic a rattlesnake. I've seen rat snakes do it, king snakes do it, and even racers do it.