How to Identify Snakes in Louisiana

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The most easily identified snake that is common to Louisiana is the aggressive and poisonous water moccasin ("cottonmouth"). Beyond this dangerous snake, identifying Louisiana's serpents can be more problematic. That is because the state is home to almost four dozen species of snakes. There are many more that are not common to the region, but may be encountered anyway. While it is important to know how to identify snakes, with so many snake species it is equally important to have a good guide and learn the facts first.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Make an estimate of how long the snake is. A good trick is to compare it to something with a known length that is near the snake. If the snake is partially concealed or coiled, this may prove tricky. Adult cottonmouths are usually longer than three feet, with rare specimens reaching over six feet. They are found throughout the state, wherever there are creeks, marshes, streams, rivers, or swamps.

Step 2

Judge the body width. This need not be done in inches. Just decide if the snake is thick or thin. The common and harmless worm snake is thin-bodied, and found in the territory between Monroe and Tallulah.

Step 3

Study the snake's head and nose. First, is it a distinct head, or does it look like it is an extension of the body. How is the head shaped, and how big is it? The southern copperhead, another poisonous snake that is infrequently encountered in the Louisiana lowlands, has a big head that is distinct from the body, and a blunt snout.

Step 4

Study the colors. The rough earth snake is either tan or a slate-like gray, and is found in elevated, drier areas throughout Louisiana.

Step 5

Try to see what the eyes look like. This will likely be the hardest part. All of Louisiana's non-poisonous serpents, such as the very common garter and water snakes that are, will have round pupils. Poisonous serpents, such as the aforementioned cottonmouth and copperhead, will have slit pupils.

Tips & Warnings

There are a plethora of snake species living in Louisiana. A good idea is to either take a guide into the field when trying to identify snakes, or to memorize the details of a few species that are of interest before setting out.

Resources

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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