2 baby snakes in my road...what are (were) they?

[desertrat (Premo)]

Originally Posted by sunflower

Worm Snake

Looks like, but what were they doing out and about? I've only seen them when digging in the garden.

[appendixqh]

Originally Posted by desertrat

Looks like, but what were they doing out and about? I've only seen them when digging in the garden.

One was found dead in the driveway last night, and one was alive in the driveway this am until the truck ran it half way over...

[desertrat (Premo)]

Originally Posted by appendixqh

One was found dead in the driveway last night, and one was alive in the driveway this am until the truck ran it half way over...

So commiting suicide?

[sunflower]

Originally Posted by desertrat

Looks like, but what were they doing out and about? I've only seen them when digging in the garden.

Taking a sun bath

[bobbyb]

Round eyed snakes are not poisonous. Slant eyed snakes are poisonous. Those little guys have round eyes.

[appendixqh]

Originally Posted by bobbyb

Round eyed snakes are not poisonous. Slant eyed snakes are poisonous. Those little guys have round eyes.

One problem....I dont want to get close enough to see there eyes!

[NatureCenter]

The reddish one is an Eastern worm snake. Scientific name: Carphophis amoenus

The other appears to be a Smooth earth snake. Scientific name: Virginia valeriae.

They are totally harmless. Both are tiny snakes - under 10 inches in length. Their primary diet is small earthworms and other small, soft-bodied insects.

[NatureCenter]

Originally Posted by bobbyb

Round eyed snakes are not poisonous. Slant eyed snakes are poisonous. Those little guys have round eyes.

That is actually a myth. You cannot judge if a snake is dangerous or not by the shape of its eyes.

There are many species of harmless snakes that have elliptical eyes (cat-eye slits) and there are many species of venomous snakes that have round eyes.

The only way to know venomous from harmless snakes is to learn to know what snakes are native to your area and be able to identify by sight.

[NatureCenter]

Originally Posted by appendixqh

Are corn snakes poisonous?

My fear here is that these two have some siblings nearby...and I have a young son that likes to run and play in the yard...so I want to know if I need to watch out becuase these two dead (non leathal) snakies have poisonous siblings that I have to look out for.

Actually, snakes are venomous, not poisonous. One way to look at the difference is that "venom" is injected into the bloodstream in order to be effective, while poison must be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested (eaten) to have an effect.

The ONLY type of venomous snake you have to worry about in So. Maryland is the copperhead (both Northern and Southern species are in Maryland, but the Northern species is most common). All other snakes in So. Maryland are completely harmless.

[Loper (Premo)]

Originally Posted by NatureCenter

Actually, snakes are venomous, not poisonous. One way to look at the difference is that "venom" is injected into the bloodstream in order to be effective, while poison must be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested (eaten) to have an effect.

The ONLY type of venomous snake you have to worry about in So. Maryland is the copperhead (both Northern and Southern species are in Maryland, but the Northern species is most common). All other snakes in So. Maryland are completely harmless.

Without getting all technical, snake bites, as any other animal bite may not be completely harmless. Even if the bite is from a non-venomous snake species, the bite can still carry bacteria and transfer it with the bite. Any snake bite should be dealt with by a doctor or vet (if a pet has been bitten) even if you know the snake is not venomous.