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Venomous Snake Identification: Forget the “Rules!”
Many people think they know how to identify venomous snakes based on certain rules they learn from friends or relatives. Unfortunately, these rules are flawed and unreliable.
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Some parts of the world may have simple rules that enable the novice to tell at a glance whether a snake is venomous. However, that is not the case in most areas, and certainly not in most of the U.S. You have probably heard several “tricks,” such as looking for “cat eyes” or “triangle heads.” Please beware of resting in such simplicity! While some guidelines may enable the studious observer to consider the totality of an unfamiliar reptile and make an educated guess as to its nature, the simplest and best course of action is to take the time to become familiar with the venomous serpents in your area This is not a particularly challenging task — only ~20% percent…