 The vipers
below are listed by common name. Be sure to check the
listing by
state, too.
Vipers all possess a very sophisticated venom delivery
system with two large, tubular fangs in the front of the mouth
that are hinged thereby allowing them to be folded back when not in use. All the vipers found in North America have a pair of heat sensing pits located between each eye
and nostril.
Rattlesnakes are a truly American family of pit vipers
since they are not found in the Old World. ALL
vipers are poisonous,
and can be deadly if you don't know how to treat a bite. Also, know what a rattlesnake sounds like
(se below)... they often sound more like a buzzing insect than you might think!
A few species of pit viper -- such as the Water Moccasin --
are reportedly aggressive and may intentionally pursue or attack you.
Recently deceased snakes can still have a
bite reflex. Additionally, the poisons from these animals can
still affect you long after they've been dead should you snag your skin on a
fang for example. As with all animals, these creatures are a normal and desired part of the
ecosystem.
Seeing one should be considered a real treat and not an opportunity to molest it
or kill it. |
