Be Aware of Venomous Snakes (Video)

Caleb Regan, GRIT Managing Editor, answers a reader-submitted question: “What are the types of poisonous snakes I should look out for this spring and summer?”

The types of venomous snakes you need to be aware of will vary depending on where you are in the world. In North America, the most common groups of venomous snakes are the rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, sidewinders and coral snakes. Here in central Kansas, you are most likely to encounter timber rattlesnakes and copperheads.

As with all wildlife, it is important to stay calm around venomous snakes. Give them space, and back away if you have already disturbed the snake. If you are bitten by a venomous snake, do not attempt to suck out the poison yourself.Treating snake bites is best done at a hospital.