CORAL SNAKES
- One of several narrow-headed, venemous snakes related to
the Cobras. Coral Snakes are native to many parts of th world,
but only two species are found in athe states. The common or
Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvis). Which ranges over
the coastal lowlands from North Carolina through Florida and
Texas. It may grow up to 39 inches long or a little longer and
has black and red bands seperated by bright yellow bands. It is
distunguished from certain similarly marked non-poisonous snakes
by its black snout and by the fact that its bands almost circle
the body completly.
The Western Coral Snake (Microuiades euryxanthus) a
rare species, grows only about 15 inches long and lives in
Arizoina.
Unlike most poisonous snakes, Coral snakes do not bite unless
stepped on or handled. They inject their poisnous venom through
short ridged fands at the front of their upper jaw.
The venom, like that of a Cobra, is a nerve poison. It
depresses the nerve centers that activate in the heart and lungs
and if it is injected in large quantities can be deadly, but not
all coral Snakes contain poisonous venom.
The Coral Snakes are classified as a reptil. Thay lay many
eggs when reproduction comes in season but not all babies
survive.
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