Texas Poison Center Network
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There are only four types of venomous snakes located in the United States. Many states do not have venomous snakes, but it is good to know what they are in case you ever visit states where they live.
Rattlesnakes live in some part of every state in the United States except Maine, Delaware, Alaska, and Hawaii. They have many different types of design on their back, but the common thing is the rattle on the end of their tail. They shake their tail and make a rattling sound to warn you not to come too close. Turn around and go the other way and find an adult.
Cottonmouths (also called water moccasins) live in the southeastern states including: Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. They can be very black or a dark brownish green. Sometimes you can see a pattern on their back, but their belly is usually a speckled light color. They do not live in the water, but usually are found within several miles of water. They do not like it when people come in the area they live in and they have a very stinky smell. Stay away from these mean snakes.
Copperheads come in three different types. They are related to the cottonmouth. They are found in the southeastern states including, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Their pattern is a little more difficult to identify. Like the Rattlesnake and the Cottonmouth, they have a large head and large fangs. Go get an adult if you see one.
The fourth snake found in the United States is not a viper.
The coral snake is found in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The coral is not a viper. It does not have a big head, or big fangs. Its head is the same size as the rest of its body. It has small fangs in the back of its mouth. It is very pretty, but it is venomous. There are some non-venomous snakes that look like it. If you see a snake that is red and yellow and black, just leave it alone. That is the safest thing to do.
There are so many spiders in this world and most are good spiders that eat a lot of bad bugs. If you see a spider, don’t touch it. Go ask if you can get a camera and take a picture of it. You can start a collection of photos of spiders you have seen.
Tarantulas are kind of big spiders, but they are gentle. If you don’t bother them, they won’t hurt you. Don’t poke a stick at him. Don’t throw rocks at him. He will think you are trying to hurt him. He can jump and bite you. It is much better to take his picture.
Black widow spiders are black and have a big black shiny belly. They stay on their web and don’t usually crawl on the floor. They have a red spot on their belly that usually looks like an hourglass. They are very venomous and can make you sick. Don’t touch them, just go get an adult.
Brown Recluse spiders are brown. Their belly can be dark brown or light brown. They have a fiddle (violin) shaped mark on the back of their head. Most people never see them, but if they bite you, they can make a sore on your body and you may need to go to the doctor.
Here are some things you should know about poisonous plants.
Here are some things you need to know about medicines.
Here are some things you should do when it comes to poisons around your house.
Here are tips for when you are babysitting.
Plants and berries can look pretty, but some can make you sick. Always ask a grown-up before tasting them.
Medicine can look like candy. Only take medicine when a trusted grown-up gives it to you.
Some spiders and snakes hide under rocks or logs. Watch where you put your hands!
Poisons can enter your body through your mouth, eyes, skin, or even the air you breathe!
