CALIFORNIA SNAKES

You will find a plethora of snakes living in Louisiana as the state is home to almost four-dozen species of snakes! In fact, Louisiana snakes are an integral part of Louisiana’s natural heritage. As with most snakes, the majority of Louisiana snakes are harmless to humans, and are in fact a boon to the ecosystem since snakes are natural predators that play an important role in controlling rodent and insect populations and the spread of disease.

However, venomous Louisiana snakes do exist, and you will want to know how to identify them before setting out.  Seven of Louisiana’s 45 species are venomous, and these include the coral snakes and the pit vipers (the Copperhead, Cottonmouth and Rattlesnake).  The venomous Louisiana snakes most easily distinguished are the aggressive Water Moccasins or Cottonmouths.  Other serpents are more difficult to spot, but here are some general guidelines for trying to identify a venomous Louisiana snake. 

Since adult Cottonmouths are usually longer than three feet (with rarities reaching as long as six feet!) you can try to estimate the length of the snake you encounter. A good trick is to compare it to something of a known length that is nearby. However, if the snake is coiled up, this will be a problem, so you can also try to evaluate the width of the snake’s body.  Thin-bodied Louisiana snakes are harmless. 

Studying the shape of the snake’s head is your next clue in identifying venomous Louisiana snakes. Copperheads often have large heads that are distinct from the body, and a blunt snout. Your best guide in venomous snake identification, however, is to see what a snake’s eyes look like. All Louisiana snakes that are non-venomous have round pupils, like those of humans. Venomous Louisiana snakes, however, such as the Cottonmouth and Copperhead, have slit pupils, or pupils shaped like a cat or an oblong football.

Please note that snakes are not aggressive except when defending themselves. They will not strike or pursue people unless they are being hurt or threatened.  Also, since venomous snakes are unable to strike a distance more than their body length, five or six feet can be considered a “safe” distance from any venomous snake in Louisiana.

Now, although close inspection of a serpent’s eyes is the best way to distinguish between harmless and dangerous snakes, you don’t want to get too close to any potentially dangerous specimen, so your best bet is to purchase a Guide to Louisiana Snakes that will not only show you pictures of beautifully colored Louisiana snakes, but it will tell you all you want to know about the habits, habitat, and lifestyle of your favorite Louisiana snake!