Poisonous Snakes of the Eastern United States

Not many people like to think about them but unless you live on the moon, chances are there could be a snake in your backyard. There are numerous types of snakes all over the world, some venomous and some not. The United States is home to four venomous snakes of differing varieties, some reaching lengths of up to eight feet! With antivenins available for all matter of snake bite in the U.S., an accidental encounter with this slithery reptile doesn't have to be a deadly one. Areas where the likelihood of snake bites is high often stock antivenins for snakes specific to their area, but those that see infrequent attacks don't usually carry them, and in cases like these time is of the essence.

There are four major types of venomous snakes in the United States, all of which have a variety or two in the eastern half of the United States. Rattlesnakes, Cottonmouth Moccasins, Copperheads and Coral Snakes have all put their roots down in mainly the southeastern states, with a few reaching up into the northern states. From the Rattlesnake category there are four subspecies - the Eastern Diamondback, the Timber Rattlesnake, the Pygmy Rattlesnake, and the Massasauga Rattlesnake. Cottonmouths or Cottonmouth Water Moccasins are a highly aggressive snake. From the Copperhead category there are Eastern Copperheads and Northern Copperheads, the Coral Snakes in the east are referred to as the Eastern Coral Snake.