If you’ve lived in Alabama all your life, you may have never heard of coral snakes before.
Coral snakes in Alabama can look deceptively harmless, but it only takes one bite to send you to the hospital or worse.
Coral snakes are different from other poisonous snakes in that they contain neurotoxins that can cause paralysis and even death to humans when exposed to them, so it’s important to know how to identify them if you live in an area with coral snake populations.
In this article, we’ll tell you about the three different types of coral snakes native to Alabama and what makes them dangerous so you can take precautions against them if they live in your area.
1. Pigmy Rattlesnake
The pigmy rattlesnake is a small rattlesnake found mostly in Alabama. They are about 3 feet long and have black and white stripes, which can be very confusing for people unfamiliar with these coral snakes in Alabama.
The pigmy rattlesnake likes to live near water sources, such as ponds or rivers, and they prey on fish, frogs, and rodents.
These snakes bite if threatened, but they usually flee instead. Luckily, it only takes one dose of anti-venom to heal from a pigmy rattlesnake bite.
However, it may take more than one dose if another type of coral snake bites you, so make sure you seek medical attention immediately!
2. Timber Rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is a large, bulky snake that reaches around three to four feet long. Timber rattlesnakes can also be distinguished by their olive, brown, or black coloration with dark blotches.
The timber rattlesnake is typically found in forested areas near water sources such as creeks and rivers.
Timber rattlers are among the most dangerous coral snakes in Alabama, but if left alone, they will generally avoid contact with humans.
This is because they do not inject venom when biting; rather, it use their sharp teeth to hold onto prey while injecting toxic saliva into the wound for over an hour.
If a timber rattlesnake bites you, seek immediate medical attention and try not to get any venom in your eyes. It is important not to make any tourniquets or ice packs before seeking medical attention because this may cause more damage to the area.
3. Cottonmouth
The Cottonmouth is a snake native to North America. It is often mistaken for a rattlesnake because it has a similar appearance but can be identified by its red, yellow, and black bands.
The Cottonmouth is often found near water, where they eat mostly fish and frogs. This type of snake bite can be very painful and deadly to humans if left untreated.
The Cottonmouth will typically leave you alone unless you provoke or threaten it. Venomous bites from this snake are not common in North America. Seek immediate medical attention.
4. Eastern Diamondback
If you live in Alabama, you should know that there are different types of coral snakes in Alabama. The Eastern Diamondback is a venomous snake in North America and some parts of Central America.
It’s often confused with the Scarlet Kingsnake or the Western Diamondback because they all have red bands on their bodies.
However, when it comes to identifying which type is which, you can use these three key features to help you:
- Red crossbands on its back
- Large scales along its spine
- Diamond-shaped blotches
If you see any snake with these three features and it’s not a Scarlet Kingsnake or Western Diamondback, then it’s most likely an Eastern Diamondback.
5. Copperhead
It’s hard to tell if a snake is a copperhead without looking at it closely, but some things might help you identify one. Copperheads have elliptical or almond-shaped heads, and their noses are flat.
They also have wide, copper-colored bands on their backs and tails, making them easy to distinguish from other coral snakes in Alabama.
The bands may look more orange or yellow than red when young. Some say they resemble the pattern on a Western diamondback rattlesnake because both have hourglass patterns.
Then, feeling threatened, they usually strike repeatedly with little regard for anything else around them.
6. Coral Snake
Alabama’s different types of coral snakes are some of the most dangerous in North America.
Although not as common as other snake species, these snakes are notorious for their potent venom that can kill an adult human within hours.
The venom is used to immobilize prey items and contains toxins preventing blood clotting. Some people who these snakes have bitten reported feeling no pain initially but intense pain and swelling after a few minutes or hours.
The symptoms of a bite include vomiting, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, and fainting. Immediate medical attention should be sought if you believe you have been bitten by one of these snakes.
7. Corn Snake
The corn snake is a slender, long-bodied snake with a pattern of dark brown blotches or squares along its back.
These coral snakes in Alabama have large eyes and round pupils, which they use to hunt small animals like mice and rats.
They are non-venomous but will bite if threatened. They are generally found around farms where there are rodents that they can eat.
The milk snake and corn snake are predators who usually hunt by hiding out, waiting for their prey to come close before striking.
Since they do not need to drink water often because they get most of their moisture from their food, both species tend to live in dry environments near water sources such as streams or creeks.
8. Micrurus Species
There are many different types of coral snakes in Alabama of Micrurus species. The first type is Micrurus fulvius, a small snake with reddish, yellow, and black rings on its body.
These snakes are related to cobras and can deliver a potent venom that contains neurotoxins, which can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and death.
The second type is Micrurus tenera (Texas coral snake). This snake has reddish-orange bands that may be narrow or broad, but there are usually six.
They have glands on their head that secrete an oily venom that paralyzes their prey. One bite from this snake will kill a small mammal or bird within 2 hours.
9. Garter Snake
Garter snake, typically striped and green or blue. They will eat anything they can get their hands on. They are primarily predators, so don’t be fooled by their passive appearance. Keep your distance if you come across them because they can be dangerous if provoked.
However, as long as you stay away from them, there is no need to worry. Although they may look cute and harmless, they have a powerful venom that can kill an animal or person.
The venom isn’t deadly unless left untreated, but it can cause serious harm to those who aren’t careful around these reptiles.
10. Milk Snake
The milk snake is a relatively small animal growing from sixteen to thirty inches long. They are relatively common snakes, and they feed on rodents. You might see one sunning itself on a tree or rock if you’re up early enough.
Alabama has many different types of coral snakes, but the milk snake should be feared. Milk snakes have been known to bite if they feel threatened or like they’re being attacked.
This can lead to potentially dangerous side effects such as difficulty breathing and swelling around the wound site.
11. Brown Snake
The brown snake is a relatively small, non-venomous snake. These coral snakes in Alabama range from 10-12 inches long and are typically found near streams, ponds, and wetlands.
Brown snakes are often confused with copperheads because both are brown and have similar markings.
The easiest way to tell the difference between a copperhead and a brown snake is by looking at the head; if it has a dark stripe that starts behind each eye, then it is probably a copperhead.
On the other hand, if there’s no dark stripe but an indistinct light band around each eye (sometimes hard to see), then it’s probably just a brown snake.
12. King Snake
The king snake is another species that is native to North America. It can grow up to four feet long and has a wide head with a slightly flattened shape, distinguishing it from other snakes.
The coloration of the king snake varies from light tan to brown or black, and they are striped with lighter bands on its body.
In addition, these coral snakes in Alabama have a yellow collar behind their head where it meets the neck. They eat mostly lizards and small rodents but eat frogs, fish, birds, and eggs if hungry.
If you find yourself close to one, don’t panic! King snakes are not known for being aggressive towards humans and usually only bite if threatened or disturbed.
13. Eastern Coral
The Eastern Coral Snake is one of three coral snakes indigenous to Alabama. The Eastern Coral snake is a venomous snake with a wide range of colorations, including red, black, and yellow rings.
It is usually found in wooded areas near water and mainly feeds on other snakes, lizards, and rodents.
These coral snakes in Alabama have a neurotoxic venom that can cause paralysis and death within an hour.
If this type of snake bites you, it is imperative to seek medical attention as soon as possible, or else you cannot move your muscles for long periods.
