Coral Snake

Micrurus

Geographical Locale

• North and South America.

Appearance

• Red, yellow/white, and black colored banding.
• Average around 24" in length, but sightings of snakes up to 60" have been reported.

Venom

• Highly venomous.
• Venom is neurotoxic and attacks the nervous system.

The Bite

• Coral snakes are not aggressive, most bites occur due to accidental handling, eg while gardening. If disturbed they bury their heads and wave their tails in the air.
• They have small fangs, so bites are frequently ineffective.
• However a bite can be life threatening and immediate treatment should be sought.
• Initially symptoms include slurred speech, double vision, difficulty swallowing, but can progress to muscular paralysis or respiratory or cardiac failure if not treated.

Lifecycle

• Female usually lays 3 to 5 eggs in mid Summer.
• Eggs hatch out in the open.
• Young snakes hatch 2-3 months later.

Habits

• Location – They are generally nocturnal, spending most of their time in the ground or within leaf litter. Will be more visible in wet weather and during the breeding season.
• Feeding - Small lizards, snakes, reptiles and amphibians.