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Snakes
Latin Name: Agkistrodon contortrix
Common Name: Copperheads
Other Names: Death adder, Moccassin, and many other common names exist
Pest Details
Origin:
This venomous snake is a native of North America and occurs in the southeast U.S. from Florida north to Massachusetts and west to Texas and Nebraska, with at least 5 different subspecies.
Biology:
These snakes may live up to 18 years in the wild and are sexually mature after about 4 years. Mating occurs in spring and again in the summer and baby snakes are born alive after a gestation period of from 3-9 months. Between 2 and 10 offspring will be produced. This is a somewhat social snake that may occur with many other snakes in winter dens, but otherwise are solitary in behavior. They feed primarily on small rodents, but also on small birds, other reptiles, amphibians, and on large insects such as cicadas. They are venomous and with larger prey may bite and then immediately release
Latin Name: Micrurus fulvius
Common Name: Eastern Coral Snake
Other Names: N/A
Pest Details
Origin:
This is a native snake in the southern U.S. and the only species north of Mexico. Several dozen other species in the same genus occur throughout Central and South America, and their color patterns will differ.
Biology:
Eastern coral snakes are found in the southeast states from Texas to Florida and north to North Carolina. They have the most potent venom of all venomous North American snakes. This is compounded by the snake’s behavior of biting and holding on, potentially releasing more venom into a victim. Other venomous snakes prefer to strike and then let go and back away. Coral snake bites are very uncommon due to the reclusive behavior of the snakes and their preference to avoid urban areas. They also have short fangs that cannot penetrate leather boots, reducing the times the bite reaches the skin. Coral snake antivenin exists,
Latin Name: Crotalus sp.
Common Name: Rattlesnakes
Other Names: N/A
Pest Details
Origin:
These are native snakes in North America with over 30 species and many more subspecies known.
Biology:
Rattlesnakes are by far the most abundant venomous snakes in North America, with many species that range from southwestern Canada to the east coast of the U.S. and south into South America. In the U.S. most species are western and Arizona is known to have at least 17 species and subspecies. They are found in a wide range of habitats and elevations, but each species may prefer a particular habitat. Rocky areas are particularly attractive to them as it also provides habitat for rodents and other small animals that they feed on, as well as harborage for the snakes. They may be found resting on top of large rocks during cool periods, sunning themselves to absorb warmth. The venom is contained in swollen sacs at the back of the
Latin Name: Agkistrodon piscivorus
Common Name: Water Moccasin
Other Names: Cottonmouth, Black moccasin, Gapper, and many other common names.
Pest Details
Origin:
This is a native species in the U.S. and ranges from Virginia to Florida, west to Texas, and north into Illinois and Indiana.
Biology:
This southeastern species is most likely to prey on fish and frogs in its habitat near aquatic sites, as it frequents habitats near ponds, swamps, and marshes. Following mating the female retains the fertilized eggs for 5 months and then gives birth to 5-9 young, but potentially up to 16 babies. The venom of this snake is considered very dangerous to humans. It is a hemolytic venom that destroys red blood cells and skin cells, causing internal bleeding, necrosis at the site of the bite, and reportedly extreme pain. It can be life threatening.
Identification:
Adults typically may be over 4 feet in length and nearly 6 feet in some