DANGER: The Most Venomous SNAKES

The rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in the United States, and many species live in American habitats. Whether curled up or stretched out, they can hit a third or more of their body length with speed and accuracy from any position.

Rattlesnakes can use their rattles as a warning when they feel threatened, although they don't always rattle before biting. You can sunbathe near logs, boulders or open spaces.

Rattlesnakes live in many habitats where humans work, including mountains, grasslands, deserts, and beaches. Antivenom is recommended for signs of progressive intoxication (eg, worsening local tissue damage, systemic symptoms).

Copperheads vary in color from pale red to golden brown. The ribbons on their bodies are usually hourglass shaped. They have a deep facial pit between each eye and nostril.

Copperheads are commonly found near water sources such as forests, rocky areas, swamps or rivers. Most adults are about 18 to 36 inches tall. They are generally not aggressive, but will generally freeze when startled, and become defensive if threatened, touched, or interacted with.

If workers unknowingly step on or get close to copperheads, they are more likely to be bitten. Giving antivenom to a snakebite patient as soon as possible can help recover the limb faster and reduce the likelihood of limb disability following copperhead venom.

The average length of an adult cottonmouth is 50-55 inches. The skin of adult snakes is dark brown, brown or nearly black with faint black or dark brown horizontal bands. Juveniles have a bold brown or orange cross-band pattern and a yellow tail. Cotton mouths are often found in or around water.

These snakes are sometimes confused with the non-venomous king snakes, which have similar bands of color but are arranged differently. Coral snakes tend to hide in piles of leaves or burrow into the ground.