There are 6 venomous snakes native to Mississippi. One isn’t like the others.

There are more than 50 types of snakes that call Mississippi home.

You will have knowledge that could save your life if you learn to identify the venomous snakes.

Venom is used by snakes to digest food. Red blood cells are the main source of oxygen in the body. The Coral snake has a small mouth that makes it less likely to bite people.

The Mississippi Coast has only one venomous snake.

Flat, triangular heads, facial pits, vertical pupils, and a single row of scales are some of the characteristics of most venomous snakes. The cat is not allowed to see the Coral snake. It has children.

Here’s where snakes love to hide:

Either along or under.

• There are logs.

• There are rocks.

• Chunks.

• There are natural or human made structures.

These venomous snakes are roaming around Mississippi

• Southern Copperheads can be found at the base of trees near large rocks and in brush piles. It was named after the bronze tone of its head, and it has a pattern on its body. There are 20 to 26 inches of copperheads.

• Cottonmouths are sometimes confused with the harmless Mississippi Green Water Snake. The inside of it's mouth should be cotton white. The snakes range in size from two to four feet and can be either brown or dark.

• Coral snakes can be up to three feet in length. Milk and scarlet kingsnakes are not the same as the snakes. "Red touches black, friend of Jack; Red touches yellow, kill a fellow" is a rhyme offered by the Mississippi StateMSE.

• Pygmy Rattlesnakes are 18 to 20 inches in length and have fragile rattles that are easily broken off. If you see a small snake with dark spots on its back and sides, you should assume it is a pygmy.

• The timber rattlesnake can be found on farmland, in swamps or in forests. The species has ridged scales and rattles. They have dark stripes on their back and sides.

• The largest venomous snake in the world is the Eastern Diamondback. They can grow to as much as eight feet. Their backs are shaped like diamonds and have a yellow or brown background. The rattles that break off over time are the same as the buttons that are added every time they shed.

The snakes try to hide when they see people, according to theMSE. They warn before attacking if threats are made.

How to detect if a snake is about to strike:

• Hisses.

• Its head is flattened.

• Its mouth is open.

• Its tail makes noise.

If these warnings are ignored, the snake will only attack.

What to do if you are bitten by a snake

1. If you need emergency medical help, get it as quickly as possible. Don't move fast.

2. All items that might restrict circulation should be removed. As the bite area swells, watches, bracelets, rings, gloves, or shoes could pose a problem.

3. As much as possible, mobilize the affected area. If possible, try to keep the bite below the level of the heart.

4. Don't try to catch or kill the snake if it's still in the area. You can identify the type of snake by looking at pictures in the emergency room.

5. Do not do these things.

• If you have a bite, place a band above it.

• Give the victim alcohol or food.

• The area should be placed in ice.

• Cut the area with a knife or a tool.

• Try to give antivenom.

• Pain or anti-anxiety medication should be administered.

Call the Mississippi Poison Control Center if you need assistance.