Baby snake identification - Ask Extension
I found this baby snake while raking up leaves. It was maybe 10-12 inches when stretched out. Had whitish underbelly. Was knotted up at first, but l...
Knowledgebase
Baby snake identification #377004
Asked November 14, 2016, 11:50 AM EST
I found this baby snake while raking up leaves. It was maybe 10-12 inches when stretched out. Had whitish underbelly. Was knotted up at first, but later had head up like in attack mode. Didn't attempt flight until I left area. See Attached image.. Need to know if it's poisonous and any other facts you can share.
Chesterfield County Virginia
Expert Response
Virginia has only three snakes that are poisonous. The copperhead, the rattlesnake, and the cottonmouth moccasin are all fairly easy to identify from their markings. This publication gives pictures and other information on most snakes found in Virginia.
Accurate snake identification often takes an up-close look by someone trained to ID them, but the snake in your photo does not look like any of the poisonous ones. However, all snakes can bite and may leave a nasty wound so it is advisable to avoid handling any of them and to keep them away from children and pets.
If you have additional questions on this subject, please use the reply feature within this email or call the Chesterfield office of Virginia Cooperative Extension at<personal data hidden>. Thanks for using Ask an Expert!
Accurate snake identification often takes an up-close look by someone trained to ID them, but the snake in your photo does not look like any of the poisonous ones. However, all snakes can bite and may leave a nasty wound so it is advisable to avoid handling any of them and to keep them away from children and pets.
If you have additional questions on this subject, please use the reply feature within this email or call the Chesterfield office of Virginia Cooperative Extension at<personal data hidden>. Thanks for using Ask an Expert!
