The Top Five Largest (And Most Dangerous) Snakes In Louisiana
There are over fifty species of snakes found in Louisiana, which has the warm temperatures and ideal conditions to keep any reptile happy. Thankfully, only seven of them are venomous! In this section, we are counting down Louisiana’s top five largest (and most dangerous) snakes, starting with a rattlesnake that may not be the biggest or deadliest, but still has a painful bite that could cost you a limb!
5. Pygmy Rattlesnake
This species can be identified by its elongated body and broad head. The pygmy rattlesnake is grey overall with darker blotching and small reddish-brown dots. This is one of the less common species of snakes that are attracted to urban areas and backyards, so Louisiana homeowners should be vigilant! While this is the smallest of the three rattlesnake species found in Louisiana, they still have a painful bite. This species cannot produce enough venom to kill an adult, but without medical care, you could lose a finger or even a limb!
4. Eastern/Southern Copperhead
The copperhead is named for its overall reddish-brown coloring and can be identified by the brown hourglass markings over the body. Copperheads are pit vipers, with characteristic triangular heads and slitted, catlike pupils. Since this species prefers higher elevations, it prefers the rocky areas of Louisiana and is less common in the marshlands and swamps. Though not considered to be a common bite risk, when bites do occur, they are deadly. This is due to their ability to seamlessly blend into their surroundings and most bites occur through accidental contact.
3. Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
The cottonmouth is reddish-brown with black banding when young but may darken to grey or black with age. They can be most easily identified by their signature gaping mouth warning, which reveals the stark, cotton-colored white interior. Like any other location with lots of standing water, cottonmouths are found throughout Louisiana’s marshes and swamps. Though most bites occur through accidental contact, the cottonmouth’s venom is deadly without fast medical intervention and can kill an adult human. Cottonmouth bites account for around one percent of the deadly snake bites in the United States every year.
2. Timber Rattlesnake
A timber rattlesnake can be identified by their yellow-grey bodies, brown/black arrow markings, and the reddish-brown stripe down the back. Timber rattlesnakes may also have darker brown banding over the entire body. This species is found throughout the state of Louisiana and has the deadliest venom of all snakes in the United States. This species gives little to no warning before striking, and most experts agree that you should quickly flee once you hear the telltale rattle. This snake is one of the deadliest predators in Louisiana, and that list includes alligators!
1. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
The largest and most dangerous snake in Louisiana is the eastern diamondback rattlesnake which brown over the entire body, with a distinctive brown diamond pattern outlined in yellow. They can also be identified by the black markings striping the face, as well as the narrow shape and slitted eyes common in pit vipers. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in the United States. Slow to attack but it strikes fast, and slowly backing away is recommended to escape a deadly bite. The diamondback is less widespread in the state than the timber rattlesnake and is not common in marshland. Diamondback rattlesnakes are found in drier areas throughout Louisiana and prefer to stay away from humans.
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