Eastern Coral Snake

Eastern Coral Snake

Phylum : Chordata
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Elapidae
Genus : Micrurus
Species : fulvius

Length : 20-30in (51-76cm)

IUCN Status : Least Concern

The Eastern Coral Snake is found in the southeastern areas of the United States, as well as in parts of eastern and central Mexico. They have a very distinctive body coloration, with large rings of red and black with thinner, yellow rings in between.

Eastern Coral Snakes are venomous, and because of that there are two other species in their range that mimic their coloration. Both the Scarlet Snake and Scarlet Kingsnake are marked with similar bands. This confuses predators into thinking that these non-venomous species are actually dangerous Coral Snakes, and should thus be avoided.

Eastern Coral Snakes are reclusive and really only attack humans when stepped on or handled. When they bite down on their target, be it a human ankle or a frog, they often have to chew a bit to get the venom in. Their bites don't really cause much pain or swelling, but if left unattended the toxin will cause nerve damage and eventually, paralysis. Eastern Coral Snakes are venomous right after hatching.

There is antivenin for Eastern Coral Snakes, and their have been no reported deaths since its introduction in 1967.