Venomous vs. Nonvenomous Snakes

A quick look at this black rat snake (bottom/left) and copperhead (top/right) will tell you that one is venomous and one is not. The shape of the head can sometimes tell the story. Notice in the diagram that venomous snakes have a triangular shape to their head, while the heads of nonvenomous snakes are more oval-shaped.

Learn more about Ohio’s snakes and their populations in the state in our Reptiles of Ohio Field Guide: http://ow.ly/HDvi30bbSOX