The Eastern Coral Snake has a very potent neurotoxin venom.

DESCRIPTION: A thin snake, seldom longer than 24". It has a small head (not triangular), and the distinct color pattern is alternating black and yellow, red and yellow bands. This snake has a dangerous neurotoxin venom, but it is not aggressive.

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Eastern Coral Snake – Fang action

Many venomous snakes all over the United States have similar characteristics: they inject their prey with venom, they are defensive and strike out when threatened, and each species lives in similar habitats.

The eastern coral snake, a venomous snake native to the southeastern region of the United States, is a bit different. Snakes from the pit viper family compose the vast majority of venomous snakes in the region. Two distinguishing characteristics of this snake family, as compared to other venomous snakes, are their retractable fangs and their loreal pit.

The loreal pit is an opening between the eye and nose inside of the mouth, on either side of the head. The opening leads to a very sensitive portion of the snake’s receptors – even called a sixth sense – that allows the snake to detect infrared signals from warm-blooded prey. This species hunts most often at night, so this feature helps the animal in the hunting and capturing of its prey.

The eastern coral snake is not related to the pit viper family – which is very uncommon for venomous snakes. Because of this, the coral snake does not have a loreal pit, yet it is quite a successful hunter without it.

Another characteristic of a pit viper is its retractable fangs. A pit viper’s retractable fangs are directly attached to the venom ducts. The snake is able to bite quickly and inject a lethal amount of venom into its prey in an instant. The coral snake is unique in that it does not have this feature. Their fangs, which are actually hollow, are located in the front of their mouths and are not retractable. When the snake bites, it holds on for a time in order to allow the venom to flow into a cavity in the gum where it is then released through the bite.

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Running a wildlife removal business in the state of Florida gives me the chance to see all kinds of interesting snakes! Florida has about 45 species of snake, and I've seen 29 of them so far. I've always got my eye out for new species, and I love spotting rare snakes in Florida. I also have a thing for venomous snakes - they're not too common in FL, so I always enjoy the chance to see a poisonous serpent. I really like snakes, and I've never hurt or killed one. They're an important part of the ecosystem, and often persecuted. Still, if you don't want snakes in your house or on your property, and judging from the number of phone calls I receive regarding snake problems, you don't, then give me or a local snake expert in your area a call, and we can remove the snakes from your property for you. I use many snake control methods - from snake traps, to snake repellents, to habitat modification, but most of all, good old-fashioned capture and removal. If you want to learn more, please read my How To Get Rid of Snakes page.

AAAnimal Control is a privately owned wildlife removal and pest control business, located in Orlando Florida. I deal strictly with wild animals including snakes inside houses. I am not an extermination company, but a critter removal and control specialist. The above photos are some of the many that I've taken in the field over my years of work. Please email me if you have any questions about the above photographs, or any questions about wildlife problems or Florida snake removal issues.

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Wildlife Photographs by David     Email me with questions: david@aaanimalcontrol.com     Residential & Commercial     Licensed & Insured