Eastern Coral Snake

Micrurus fulvius

The Eastern Coral Snake is related to the cobras and can deliver a very serious bite. Its venom attacks the nerves and quickly incapacitates the lizards and snakes upon which this snake feeds. Coral snakes are secretive and difficult to find. Mostly, they're discovered by people raking leaves or moving wood piles. The Scarlet Snake and the Scarlet Kingsnake, shown at right, are harmless species that look like coral snakes, but have red snouts and black rings between red and yellow rings. Remember: "Red touch yellow kill a fellow, red and black, friend of Jack."

Look For : A banded snake with a blunt black snout followed by a wide yellow band across head. Red and yellow rings touch each other. Rings completely circle body. Scales glossy.

Length : 20-47".

Habitat : Pine woods, lake edges, sandy open woods.

Range : Extreme southeastern U.S., from southern Mississippi through coastal South Carolina.