Mississippi’s diverse ecosystem hosts over 50 snake species, but only three display the distinctive red and black coloration that often catches the eye of residents and visitors.
Understanding how to identify these red and black snakes in Mississippi could potentially save your life, as one of these species is among the state’s most venomous serpents.
This comprehensive guide will help you distinguish between the dangerous and harmless species, understand their behaviors, and know what to do if you encounter one.
Whether you’re hiking through Mississippi’s pine forests or working in your backyard garden, accurate identification skills are essential for safe coexistence with these remarkable reptiles.
Northern Scarlet Snake
The Northern Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea copei) ranks as one of Mississippi’s most beautiful and misunderstood serpents. This small, secretive snake displays vibrant red, black, and yellow bands that create stunning patterns across its sleek body.
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: 14-20 inches on average
- Bright red bands bordered by black
- Yellow or cream-colored bands
- Pointed, reddish snout
- Smooth, glossy scales
Key Identification Features: The Northern Scarlet Snake’s banding pattern provides the most reliable identification marker. Unlike the eastern coral snake, the bands across the back do not extend completely around the belly, creating a distinctive partial banding pattern that experienced observers can quickly recognize.
Safety Tip: The Northern Scarlet Snake is completely harmless to humans and rarely bites even when handled.
Habitat and Behavior: These snakes inhabit palmetto stands, pine forests, coastal woodlands, and sandy areas throughout Mississippi. They prefer loose, sandy soil where they can easily burrow and hunt for their preferred prey: small reptiles, amphibians, and snake eggs.
Northern Scarlet Snakes are primarily nocturnal and fossorial, meaning they spend most of their time underground. During daylight hours, they hide beneath logs, rocks, or leaf litter. This secretive behavior makes encounters with humans relatively rare.
Diet and Ecological Role: These beneficial snakes help control rodent populations and consume other snake species’ eggs, including those of venomous species. Their diet consists of:
- Small lizards and their eggs
- Other snakes’ eggs
- Small frogs and salamanders
- Occasionally small rodents
Geographic Distribution in Mississippi: The Northern Scarlet Snake can be found throughout most of Mississippi, particularly in the northern and central regions. Mississippi State University Extension provides detailed distribution maps for residents wanting to understand local snake populations.
| Characteristic | Northern Scarlet Snake |
|---|---|
| Venomous | No |
| Size | 14-20 inches |
| Habitat | Sandy soils, pine forests |
| Activity | Nocturnal, fossorial |
| Temperament | Docile, rarely bites |
Eastern Coral Snake
The Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius) represents Mississippi’s most dangerous red and black serpent. This venomous species can be found on sandy ridges and in sandy creek bottoms throughout the state, making proper identification crucial for anyone spending time outdoors.
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: 2-3 feet average
- Distinctive red, yellow, and black bands
- Black head with yellow collar
- Small, slender build
- Round pupils (unlike pit vipers)
Critical Identification Features: The Eastern Coral Snake’s banding pattern follows a specific sequence that distinguishes it from harmless mimics. The coral snake has red bands that touch yellow bands, while milk snakes usually have red bands outlined in black.
The Life-Saving Rhyme: “Red touches yellow, kill a fellow; red touches black, a friend of Jack” remains the most reliable memory device for distinguishing venomous coral snakes from their harmless mimics.
Emergency Warning: If you cannot clearly see the banding pattern, treat any red and black snake as potentially dangerous and maintain safe distance.
Habitat and Behavior: Coral snakes live in sandy pinewoods and prefer areas with loose, well-draining soil. They are secretive, spending most of their time underground or beneath surface debris. Unlike pit vipers, coral snakes lack heat-sensing organs and rely on chemical detection to locate prey.
Venom and Medical Significance: Eastern Coral Snakes possess powerful neurotoxic venom that affects the nervous system. Approximately 20% of snake bites result in envenomation, but coral snake bites are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.
Symptoms of coral snake envenomation include:
- Drowsiness and confusion
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Muscle weakness
- Respiratory distress
- Paralysis (in severe cases)
What to Do If Bitten: If a snake bites you, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. The Mississippi Poison Control Center is available 24/7, at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate guidance.
Geographic Distribution: Eastern Coral Snakes occur throughout Mississippi but are most commonly encountered in the southern portions of the state. The University of Mississippi Medical Center provides comprehensive information about venomous snake encounters in the region.
Red Milk Snake
The Red Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum syspila) serves as nature’s masterful mimic, closely resembling the dangerous coral snake while remaining completely harmless to humans. This beneficial species helps control rodent populations throughout Mississippi’s diverse habitats.
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: 20-28 inches typically
- Red, black, and yellow/white bands
- Red bands bordered by black
- Larger head compared to coral snakes
- Smooth, shiny scales
Identification Keys: The Red Milk Snake’s banding pattern provides the primary identification feature. Red touches black but not yellow, distinguishing it from venomous coral snakes where red touches yellow. This species also tends to be larger and more robust than coral snakes.
Behavioral Differences from Coral Snakes: Red Milk Snakes are more active during daylight hours and less secretive than coral snakes. They often hunt in open areas and are more likely to be encountered by humans during normal outdoor activities.
Diet and Hunting Behavior: Milk snakes are much more opportunistic eaters than many other species, consuming birds and their eggs, frogs, fish, and other snakes (including venomous species like coral snakes and rattlesnakes).
Primary prey includes:
- Small rodents (mice, voles, shrews)
- Bird eggs and nestlings
- Small reptiles and amphibians
- Other snakes, including venomous species
Habitat Preferences: Red Milk Snakes adapt to various habitats throughout Mississippi, including:
- Deciduous and mixed forests
- Agricultural areas and farmland
- Suburban areas with adequate cover
- Rocky outcrops and stone walls
Beneficial Role in Ecosystem: These snakes provide significant ecological benefits by controlling rodent populations and consuming other snake species, including venomous ones. Their presence often indicates a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
Human Interactions: Incredibly docile, these snakes rarely bite even when picked up by humans. When threatened, they may vibrate their tail against leaves to mimic a rattlesnake’s warning sound, but this defensive behavior is harmless bluffing.
Conservation Note: Red Milk Snakes face habitat loss due to development and are often killed due to misidentification. Education about their beneficial role helps protect these valuable predators.
For comprehensive information about Mississippi’s snake species, consult the Mississippi Herpetological Society database, which provides detailed species accounts and distribution maps.
Safety Guidelines for Snake Encounters
Understanding proper safety protocols when encountering red and black snakes in Mississippi can prevent dangerous situations and protect both humans and snakes. Most snake encounters result from accidental contact during outdoor activities.
Prevention Strategies:
- Maintain Awareness: Watch where you step, especially in tall grass, near water, or around debris piles
- Use Lighting: Always carry a flashlight when walking outdoors after dark
- Wear Protection: Closed-toe shoes and long pants provide basic protection
- Stay on Paths: Stick to maintained trails when hiking in snake habitat
If You Encounter a Snake:
- Stop and Back Away: Give the snake plenty of space to escape
- Do Not Approach: Never attempt to handle or capture any snake
- Observe from Distance: If identification is important, use binoculars or zoom camera
- Let It Leave: Most snakes will retreat if given the opportunity
Emergency Response Protocol:
Since snakes are quick during a bite, you may not get a good look at a snake to identify whether it’s venomous or nonvenomous. Call emergency services or 911 after a snake bite as a safety precaution.
Immediate Steps After Any Snake Bite:
- Stay Calm: Panic increases heart rate and venom circulation
- Call 911: Professional medical evaluation is always necessary
- Remove Jewelry: Swelling may occur rapidly
- Immobilize Area: Keep the bitten area below heart level
- Monitor Symptoms: Watch for signs of envenomation
What NOT to Do: Do not apply ice or a tourniquet to a venomous snake bite. Also, do not cut, apply suction and/or use electric shock to the wound.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention: All snake bites require medical evaluation, but certain symptoms indicate medical emergencies:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rapid swelling around the bite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Confusion or altered mental state
The Mayo Clinic provides comprehensive first aid guidelines that everyone should review before spending time in snake habitat.
Conclusion
Identifying red and black snakes in Mississippi requires careful attention to specific physical characteristics, particularly banding patterns and coloration sequences. While the Eastern Coral Snake poses serious medical risks, the Northern Scarlet Snake and Red Milk Snake provide valuable ecological benefits without threatening human safety.
Remember that only six species of Mississippi’s native snakes are venomous, making the vast majority of snake encounters completely safe. The key to coexistence lies in education, proper identification skills, and respect for these important predators.
Whether you’re exploring Mississippi’s pine forests, working in your garden, or enjoying outdoor recreation, understanding these three red and black species will help you make informed decisions about snake encounters. When in doubt, maintain safe distance and contact local wildlife authorities for assistance.
For ongoing education about Mississippi’s snake species and safety protocols, consider consulting resources from the Mississippi State University Extension Service and connecting with local herpetological societies.
