Introduction to Coral Snakes

As their name implies, coral snakes are water loving snakes.  Some species of coral snakes are almost completely aquatic spending the majority of their lives in the water.  Other species live in the debris of rain forests, hiding under the leaves or underground.  Their geographic range within the United States is essentially the southern coast from Louisiana up to North Carolina, though coral snakes can be found throughout the world.

The significant difference between the species of coral snakes is the coloration of their banding.  By sight they can be difficult to identify because several species of non-venomous snakes share similar coloration and patterns.  The limericks associated with their identification are applicable only to coral snakes found in the New World, North and South America.  Species of coral snakes in other parts of the world have markedly different coloration, and wearing snake proof boots is a good habit to get into anytime you’re going into an environment that might have many of them.

The coral snake is unlike a pit viper when it comes to biting.  Whereas a viper is likely to bite and release, a coral snake is likely to bite and hang on.  They have small fangs protruding from their upper jaw but they cannot penetrate thick leather clothing or sturdy leather gloves.  If fangs do penetrate the skin, however, it must be treated as a serious medical emergency.  There is very little pain associated with a coral snake bite when compared to a pit viper.  The difference is found in their venom.

The lethal dose of venom from a coral snake is 3 to 5 milligrams, compared to the 10 to 15 milligram lethal dose of a Mojave rattlesnake, as compared to the 75-100 milligram dose of most other venomous snakes.  Coral snake venom is a powerful neurotoxin that attacks the breathing muscles.  Without medical treatment, a bite can become fatal within hours.  Even with medical care, artificial or mechanical respiration as well as large doses of antivenin is required to stabilize a patient.  Wearing thick gloves and snake boots are a good way to at least give yourself a better chance of not being harmed by a bite.

Unfortunately anti-venom for coral snake bites is becoming harder to come by, as the 15 to 25 confirmed coral snake bites on average per year make it non-profitable to produce.  Coral snakes are skittish around humans and their first resort is to flee, and the majority of bites can be avoided by such small steps as wearing leather gloves while gardening.  With any species of snake, coral snakes included, it is best simply to keep your distance and to mimic the coral snake’s natural inclination to beat a hasty retreat.