Reptiles Information
Question: Do you know how to recognize a venomous snake?
Venomous snakes in eastern Virginia are the copperheads and cottonmouths (water moccasins). They have vertical pupils, a heat-sensing “pit” near their eye (larger than the nostril) and a single row of scales under the tail. Non-venomous snakes have round pupils, no “pit” and two rows of scales under the tail. Other characteristics such as head shape, pattern and even defensive behaviors can be seen in venomous and non-venomous snakes, so using one of these things alone can be misleading.
There are many types of reptiles in southeastern Virginia, including snakes, lizards and turtles. To learn more about these species and helpful hints on identification, refer to the additional resources below.
Additional Resources:
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/reptiles/
Virginia Herpetological Society
https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/lizards/index.htm
Venomous snakes in eastern Virginia are the copperheads and cottonmouths (water moccasins). They have vertical pupils, a heat-sensing “pit” near their eye (larger than the nostril) and a single row of scales under the tail. Non-venomous snakes have round pupils, no “pit” and two rows of scales under the tail. Other characteristics such as head shape, pattern and even defensive behaviors can be seen in venomous and non-venomous snakes, so using one of these things alone can be misleading.
There are many types of reptiles in southeastern Virginia, including snakes, lizards and turtles. To learn more about these species and helpful hints on identification, refer to the additional resources below.
Additional Resources:
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/reptiles/
Virginia Herpetological Society
https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/lizards/index.htm
|
An online guide to the natural resources of Windsor Castle Park
|
