KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- If you see a snake in the wild, how do you tell if it's venomous? That's what you wanted to know for Thursday's Facebook Story of the Day.
Naturalist Amanda Moore said there are only two types of venomous snakes that are found in Northeast Missouri: the timber rattlesnake and the Osage copperhead. Moore said their coloration is very distinct and should be used to differentiate whether a snake is venomous or not.
"We have the copperhead. It has brown markings that are shaped kind of like a bow-tie or an hourglass," said Naturalist Amanda Moore, with the Missouri Department of Conservation Northeast Regional Office. "So it has narrow bands on the back, and it's wide on the sides. Their coloration is a very rich brown, kind of like a cocoa color a lot of the time."
Moore said baby Copperheads have a bright greenish tail. The Timber Rattlesnake has brown, black, and gray coloring and a rattle for its tail. Moore said they are often found in wooded areas.
If you are trying to avoid a snake bite, Moore recommends slowly taking a step back if you see a snake in the wild.
"Almost every single snake bite happens on the hands. Somebody reaching down trying to pick up the snake. Don't try to pick the snake up. If you see a snake, out in the wild, stop and move away or wait for it to move away."
If you are bitten, Moore said you should remember the coloration of the snake and head to the hospital for treatment.
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