If you’ve come across a black snake with yellow stripes while hiking or in your backyard, you may be wondering – is this snake dangerous? With so many different species of snakes, it can be tricky to identify venomous ones at a glance.
The quick answer is: potentially yes, some black snakes with yellow stripes are highly venomous. But it depends on the specific species and geographic location.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about identifying black snakes with yellow markings, which specific species are venomous, tips on snake safety, and what to do if you get bitten.
Identifying Venomous Black and Yellow Snakes in the US
The Eastern Coral Snake
The eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) is a highly venomous snake found in the southeastern United States. Its distinct red, black and yellow banding has led to the popular rhyme “red touch yellow, kill a fellow” to help identify it.
The coral snake’s venom is a powerful neurotoxin that can cause breathing paralysis if left untreated. Thankfully, coral snakes are generally shy and their fangs are relatively small, so few bites occur if the snake is left undisturbed.
The Sonoran Coral Snake
The Sonoran (or Arizona) coral snake (Micruroides euryxanthus) is found in the desert southwest and parts of Mexico. Like its eastern cousin, it has the classic tri-colored banding of red, black and yellow.
Its venom contains powerful neurotoxins that can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure without rapid treatment, so it should always be avoided. The use of snake gaiters, watching where you step and give snakes plenty of space is the best way to prevent being bit when hiking in coral snake territory.
The Harlequin Coral Snake
The harlequin coral snake (Micrurus fulvius tenere) is found from southwestern Louisiana to eastern Texas, usually in forested areas and wooded suburban neighborhoods. It has the same venom composition and potential dangers as the eastern coral snake but in addition has a white-tipped tail rather than a completely black tail.
As with all coral snakes, admiring their bright color patterns is safest done from a distance!
Key Identification Tips
When trying to identify a potential coral snake, here are some key things to look for:
- Bands of red and black, separated by yellow bands
- Rounded pupils (versus vertical pupils of nonvenomous snakes)
- A black nose (venomous snakes tend to have this)
- A stocky, blunt tail
Being able to accurately identify venomous snakes like coral snakes means you can give them the required space and respect. While their bites are rare, proper identification and avoidance are the keys to preventing calamity when enjoying the outdoors in venomous snake territory.
Black and Yellow Snakes That Are Harmless
Scarlet Kingsnake
The scarlet kingsnake is a harmless species common in the southeastern United States. With bright red, black, and yellow banding, these snakes are often mistaken for the venomous coral snake. However, the saying “red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, venom lack” helps distinguish them.
The scarlet kingsnake kills its prey through constriction, not venom. They feed on small rodents, lizards, turtle eggs, and other snakes. An interesting fact about scarlet kingsnakes is that they are immune to the venom of pit vipers and even eat rattlesnakes!
Milksnake
As the name suggests, milksnakes have a white, black, and red color pattern that resembles dripping milk. Like kingsnakes, they are powerful constrictors that kill their prey by squeezing it. Milksnakes are found throughout most of North America in a variety of habitats.
They are excellent climbers and will even raid bird nests for eggs and nestlings. A fun fact about milksnakes is that they may shake their tails when disturbed, similar to rattlesnakes, as a defensive tactic.
Eastern Kingsnake
The eastern kingsnake is another black and yellow species found in the eastern half of the United States. Their color patterns are highly variable, ranging from solid black to black with chainlike yellow or white bands.
Eastern kingsnakes occupy diverse habitats, including pine forests, agricultural areas, and suburbs. While shy, they are powerful constrictors that feed on rodents, lizards, snakes (even rattlesnakes), and eggs.
Here’s an amazing statistic – eastern kingsnakes can live over 30 years in captivity with proper care!
Gopher Snake
Also known as the bullsnake, the gopher snake is a harmless colubrid species found throughout the central and western United States. They are yellow, tan, or cream-colored with brown or black blotches down the back. Gopher snakes are expert burrowers and use old rodent burrows for shelter.
True to their name, they eat rodents like gophers but also feed on eggs, lizards, and small birds. Gopher snakes employ an intriguing defensive tactic – they may vibrate their tails rapidly when threatened to mimic rattlesnakes. However, these snakes lack rattles and are nonvenomous.
Common Watersnake
Despite their fierce disposition if disturbed, common watersnakes are another harmless black and yellow species found throughout eastern North America. As their name suggests, they inhabit areas near water, like wetlands, streams, and lakes.
Common watersnakes vary in color but usually have brown, gray, or reddish bands on a lighter colored body. They are skilled swimmers and hunt prey like fish, frogs, and small mammals along the water’s edge.
Here’s a fascinating watersnake fact – females may store sperm for up to four years to fertilize their eggs!
Safety Tips for Avoiding Black and Yellow Snake Bites
Leave Snakes Alone
If you come across a black and yellow snake, the best course of action is to leave the reptile alone and slowly back away. Snakes become defensive when threatened, so trying to kill or capture the animal puts you at high risk for a bite.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), over 80% of snake bites in humans happen when people try to handle or kill snakes.
Wear Protective Clothing and Gear
If you’ll be working or hiking in an area where you might encounter snakes, wearing protective covering can help shield your skin. Boots, long pants tucked into socks, and gloves are sensible precautions.
According to outdoor gear retailer REI, gaiters are another useful item, as they create a barrier along the lower leg that makes it hard for fangs to penetrate.
Be Cautious When Stepping Over Logs & Rocks
Be extra vigilant watching where you place your hands and feet when climbing over fallen trees or large rocks. These spots offer snakes shade and protection, so the critters may be hiding right under the surface.
According to Highlands Biological Station researchers, stepping on a snake accounts for about 25% of bites, while putting a hand down next to a snake makes up around 50% of attacks.
Keep the Yard Tidy
Trimming vegetation and clearing piles of debris around your home limits potential snake shelters. Without good hiding spots, snakes are less inclined to slither through your property. The University of California Integrated Pest Management Program recommends removing brush, wood piles, and rock walls, as well as keeping the grass short.
Use Caution Handling Firewood
When dealing with stacks of firewood, be alert when picking up logs, as snakes may be nestled inside crevices seeking refuge. Bites often occur when people grab firewood and get a startling, painful surprise!
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife warns to use gardening gloves and tools when moving wood piles to avoid skin contact with a hidden reptile.
What To Do If You Get Bitten by a Venomous Snake
Remain Calm and Move Safely Away
Getting bitten by a venomous snake can be extremely frightening. However, it’s important to stay calm. Panicking and running around will only increase your heart rate, circulating the venom faster through your body. Gently walk away from the snake to a safe distance.
The average strike range for most venomous snakes in North America is less than half their body length. Once you are safely away, sit or lie down to avoid falls or injuries from fainting. Try to keep the bite location at or below heart level.
Remove Rings, Watches, Bracelets
Remove any jewelry or constricting items near the bite area, as swelling often occurs rapidly after a venomous snake bite. Rings and watches can cut off circulation if swelling happens. Carefully slide jewelry off rather than pulling it over the hand as this may damage swollen tissue.
Loosening a watchband or bracelet a few notches can help accommodate swelling if removing it is not possible.
Clean & Immobilize the Wound
Gently wash the bite area with mild soap and water if available. Do not scrub the wound, just rinse to help remove some of the venom left on the skin surface. Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing if possible to keep it clean.
Immobilizing the bitten extremity with a splint can slow venom absorption. Always keep the bite location lower than the heart if able.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Call 911 or emergency services, or have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Antivenom medication is the only proven treatment for a venomous snake bite. These specialized medications are stocked by most major hospitals and trauma centers.
Depending on the type of snake, symptoms can rapidly progress from localized pain to numbness, swelling, bruising, vomiting, blurred vision, sweating, and fainting. Without prompt antivenom treatment, severe damage to tissues and organs or even death can occur in extreme cases.
Take a Photo of the Snake (from a safe distance)
If possible, take a photo of the snake from a safe distance. This can help medical professionals identify the species to select the right antivenom medication. Do not risk another bite attempt by trying to catch or kill the snake – identification is not worth the additional risk.
Venomous snake bites are extremely dangerous but prompt medical care with antivenom can prevent serious injury and damage. Staying calm, safely moving away, and seeking immediate hospital treatment can help mitigate the risks.
Knowing what to do if bitten by venomous snakes can help promote proper first aid and treatment.
Conclusion
In summary, it’s important to be able to accurately identify black snakes with yellow or white stripes in order to determine if they are venomous coral snakes or harmless milksnakes/kingsnakes. Key identification tips include checking for a red-touching-yellow banding pattern and an rounded pupil in venomous species.
Understanding which species are potentially dangerous in your region, using smart snake safety precautions, and knowing what to do after a bite can help ensure you stay safe and get prompt treatment if needed.
