What does a Poisonous (Venomous) Snake Look Like?

Venomous snakes have distinct heads that set them apart from non-venomous snakes. Non-venomous snakes have a rounded head, while venomous snakes have a more triangular-shaped head. The shape of a venomous snake’s head may deter predators. However, some non-venomous snakes can mimic the triangular shape of non-venomous snakes by flattening their heads. For example, the Copperhead, which is a common venomous snake found in Virginia has a very beautiful camouflage pattern, along with elliptical pupils and a distinctive pit organ between the eye and nose.  Beware when hiking in the fall, these snakes are well-camouflaged among brown and gold leaves!

Most Common Traits of Venomous Snakes

  • Larger than most; “fat.” All snakes, except red-black-yellow coral snakes, are pit vipers
  • It has a rattle at the end of its tail (Rattlesnake)
  • Elliptical pupils
  • Sharper edged, diamond-shaped heads

The. Copperhead snake has an elliptical eye pupil

Poisonous Snakes in Virginia

In Virginia, there are timber rattlesnakes, northern copperheads, and eastern cottonmouths. The timber rattlesnake is found in the mountainous regions of Virginia as well as the Dismal Swamp area.
  1. Copperhead Snake
  2. Timber rattlesnakes
  3. Cottonmouth
If you aren’t sure what. kind of snake you’re dealing with, it;’s best not to handle or try to trap the snake yourself. A snake that feels threatened will strike.

Professional Snake Removal

When you don’t want to deal with removing a snake on your own, the best solution is to call a professional snake removal company. What do professional snake removal specialists do? Wildlife removal specialists are well-educated on all types of wildlife, including snakes. A trained snake removal specialist will come out to your home or business and identify the snake, as well as the source of its entry if it’s in your home. A wildlife expert may also help you remedy any further snakes from entering or finding their way on your property again. He or she will then safely and humanely remove the snake from your property and relocate it to an area where there are no other homes or further conflict between humans and wildlife. If you have a snake problem or need snake removal, give us a call. We are one of the nation’s top-rated services in all types of wildlife control and snake removal.