These are the Most VENOMOUS Snakes in the US

[@MyWildBackyard]

What snakes should we cover more in depth next?

[@brucegreenberg7573]

Not sure if you Spencer, or your colleague Jack, have spotlighted the constrictors: Boas, Pythons and Anaconda. If not, please do so. Many thanks!

[@brucegreenberg7573]

As a child, I recall my introduction to the natural world was through 16mm films my dad had. One in particular stands out: a Castle film called The Jungle Marauder about a rogue tiger which ends up in a fight to the death with a giant python. The python wins.

[@PsychicMedium4747]

Hey, you said mojave and eastern most potent pit viper in the US? Research shows the mojave and tiger rattle snakes are the most toxic? What is true????

[@TedS.]

I've got two: The King Snake & Indigo Snake. both non venomous, but beautiful ♥

[@valiantwarrior4517]

If you’re out here in the western states again, the Midget Faded Rattlesnake and Great Basin Rattlesnake are both pretty cool snakes. Would also be cool to see you do a video on the rubber boa.

[@ichthyovenator3351]

The diversity of American pit vipers always leaves me in awe. Venomous snakes are some of the coolest and most fascinating denizens of the secret world and it was great to finally see this video come together.

[@77Marcel]

I wasn't aware that there were so many types of venomous snakes in the U S. Far out.

[@Ray-vq2jc]

@@77Marcel Many more breeds of rattle snakes were not mentioned.

[@ArtistBrianSheffield]

They are inclusive as well. Some even identify as pigeons, frogs, and Buffalo. The ones that can't reproduce are trans. Some are non binary while others are angry at the ones that don't accept them and their strange behavior patterns.

[@klbriceno1]

I have never heard the markings of a copper head described as "Hershey kiss" like, but now that is all I can see lol

[@tabisuematwiju5865]

I just said the same thing to my husband!!! I always try to describe them to people, and it's usually something along the lines of a fat chubby tree, but now I'll always say Hershey's kisses!!! 💋

[@rapunzelrose68]

It's actually a common way to describe and identify them from a nonvenomous water snake

[@PrisPrivate]

Great video Spencer! Loved the part where you listed all the rattlesnakes haha, next time you’re in the southwest you oughta make a rattlesnake bingo card with the western diamondback as the free square

[@anulovlos]

Having done tons of reading of research on US snakes, I'm really, really glad that you're demystifying the cottonmouth in particular. They get so much hate for being, really, just panicky little animals that want nothing to do with you. One comment: while antibiotics and antihistimines are usually prescribed for snakebites, they aren't necessary in the vast majority of cases. The snake MDs I've listened to have actively discouraged communicating this, because people will think, "Oh, all I need is a Benadryl and it'll be fine." No. If you're bitten, *go to a hospital.*

[@saragates2255]

Great suggestion 👍

[@MyWildBackyard]

@@anulovlos yes. Go to the hospital if bitten. Generally I see antibiotics given to prevent secondary infection, but I agree- they are not a treat-at-home event.

[@Hillbilly1974]

@@MyWildBackyardI knew what you meant. You weren’t saying don’t go to the hospital, you were saying that they usually don’t even give antivenom for copperhead bites.

[@seansingh4421]

I would care and still say they deserve more hatred than rattlers..rattlers really warn you, these mofos are basically just silent venomous claymores

[@nickmitsialis]

An old book about reptiles (written by a fellow named "Dittmars", a leading figure of American herpetology) I read as a kid talked about the Cottonmouth. He curated the reptile displays in a large NYC zoo and said that the captive cottonmouths eventually calmed down to the point where they recognized their keeper and would greet them during feeding time--and they would eat just about anything you'd put in front of them: fish, frogs, rodents, birds. other snakes, you name it.

[@snowkracker]

When I was about 7-8yo I found my first coral snake. I was so excited. The colors on the snake were amazing to me. Luckily as a kid I had a lot of woods and trails to explore all day during the summers. We’d find gopher turtles and all manner of insects. I usually stayed out in the woods building forts from sun up till dusk when I was expected home. Now that I look back I am so lucky to have grown up like that rather than in some congested city block. The neighbor had a German shepherd that would usually accompany me on my adventures.

[@DD-oi3vh]

Here in north Florida, we’ve got way too many coral snakes on our property, in addition to countless others. They’re everywhere here.

[@donaldhudson2235]

@@snowkracker me to the first time I was like 6 or 7 My dad seen it first as it was slithering along a wall inside of a shop. The colors Were magnificent.

[@hadla]

Look at that scary cobra hog nose! Flat head scare you away? No? How about a rattley tail? Not that either? Ok, I’m dead, go away!😂 and yeah the teeny rattlesnake is adorable 💕

[@jaimeortega4940]

Agreed most snake bites are deliberate with the occasional accident. Most are drunk or inebriated dudes who wanted to jack with a Rattlesnake while drunk and - lost.

[@MyWildBackyard]

@@jaimeortega4940 yep lol

[@derrickhageman1969]

Dang and I bet those dingdongs are the SAME people who preach nonsensical things about snakes when they are sober 😒

[@rovert1284]

In Australia this is always promoted. But in fact a thorough search of medical records show most snake bites are caused by people not seeing the snake. Indeed I can recall some recent ones - person died after being bitten on the toe while working at their desk. Child bitten at the beach after stepping on one going down the steps. My wife has stepped on one - luckily didn't get bitten. Again just didn't see it.

[@seekeroftruth4531]

I think one of the reasons Cottonmouths are seen as aggressive is that, for anyone fishing, the Cottonmouth tends to go after your fish, whether on the line or in a basket. Often, fishermen (me included) don't appreciate that and try to shoo the snake away...if you're not careful, a hospital trip is best case scenario. Still, I don't blame the snake; it just wants a meal.

[@jaimeortega4940]

I was bitten by a baby Copperhead when I was 10 years old on my right hand. It left two tiny fang mark dots that looked like moles that were there for 5-6 years afterwards. My hand was swollen black and blue for 3-4 days after that though it rapidly went down a week later it was just red and a little swollen and nothing else after that. Baby Copperheads have that caudal lure probably for lizards or small prey. So, it could be the baby's venom is less toxic than the grownups that eat larger rodents later on, so their venom probably changes to accommodate the new mammalian prey items. Fascinating. The "moles" or whatever they have been gone for years now and have no permanent or other damage from the bite remain.

[@pastorjerrykliner3162]

It's not "less toxic" than adults...they just have a lot less of it than an adult.

[@jaimeortega4940]

Unless both juvenile and adults' venom are tested and compared you never know.

[@NateDAGreat1998]

@@jaimeortega4940not less toxic been proven they just have less and can’t control how much they inject into you

[@willweiss4364]

I grew up in south Texas around alot of lakes and water. And I wouldn't call cottonmouth's or water moccasins "aggressive" but they will not run, when pissed. I have seen them "charge". I'm not sure the proper terminology but yeah they will "charge" so to speak. Only when they are truly pissed or feeling "threatened". But that's not hearsay or whatever you want to call it. It's anecdotal obviously, as anyone's persons stories are. But it's absolutely a thing they will absolutely do.

[@willweiss4364]

Sorry I didn't mean that as a reply to your message, just a message I meant to post. Either way I'm glad your experience with that copperhead turned out the way it did. Grew up with them too. I knew they were venomous but I feared them less than the cottonmouths. But that's just me, and no idea if that's even true.

[@OchoVerde]

Great video... I especially liked the comments about the coral snakes... I was at a lecture of Coral Snake expert Eric Smith, said this about coral snake bites, "If you are bitten by a caorl snake, you'll spend a few weeks in an IRON LUNG and you'll be fine, no bid deal! LoL!

[@MyWildBackyard]

@@OchoVerde pretty much!

[@PaulJonas-q7p]

Spencer great video educational and enjoyable thanks for that can't wait for your next uploads love the new style videos

[@brucegregory9585]

Excellent as usual...well presented and very informative. BRAVO!!!

[@Blatherskite824]

I love how you educate us & just how awesome you are with it ❤

[@WildanimalsattackJP]

This was pure gold! You never disappoint with your content. 💛

[@jasonhumphries9434]

That was a very interesting video & for that I’m looking forward to seeing more so you have a new subscriber. Good job 👍

[@joet81]

It's true that KZbin doesn't show your videos to me even though I've been subscribed for a very long time and watch pretty much every video

[@tompriceusmc]

I once had a cottonmouth chase me for 11 miles... I made it home, but after I ran inside and slammed the door, it began trying to pick my lock with a twig... It still occasionally calls me to threaten me...hisses down the phone at me. They're horrible.

[@dustind4694]

Remember, the American continent's serpents are terrified noodle lizards, and you can avoid them or call experts to relocate them. Don't start none, won't be none. Obviously not always an option when they're camouflaged, but that's mishaps, not malice.

[@MyWildBackyard]

Yep! Can’t wait to see the snakes they’ve got elsewhere 👀

[@ScoobyShotU]

People who say this never grew up on land like if I didn't have livestock or animals that will die from them I wouldn't bug them but venomous Snakes have killed like 20 or 30 of my cows in the last decade they cost me thousands now they die on sight idc anymore I'm not hunting them but if I see one it's dead

[@jameskelman9856]

I have the Massasauga Rattler at my place near Georgian Bay , Ontario . I love them myself and save them from being road kill . They are pretty cool to watch .

[@edwinpicasso6734]

Dude...thank you, you won a subscriber!!! Keep on the great job!!!

[@joeanderson8839]

Nothing is more dangerous than a wild animal that is afraid for its life.

[@timschiechl2233]

Incorrect

[@saragates2255]

Great video, Spencer! My 6 yo and I settled in and watched it together! I especially appreciate the information you present that demystifies some common assumptions many have about them! And, for the record, we could hear and understand every word 🫶

[@MyWildBackyard]

😂 you saw that comment about the “noise” too lol So glad you enjoyed! Just made it to Florida, taking comments while I settle in and grab dinner. More stuff on the way soon!

[@saragates2255]

@@MyWildBackyard Oooo enjoy your trip! I've always wanted to go fishing in Florida!

[@BugsandBiology]

I’ve been so hyped for this video, and you definitely delivered on every front. Really raised the bar here mate!

[@coffeegator6033]

That's a tiny cottonmouth. I grew up in the southeast. Spent most of my childhood playing in the woods and swamps. Cottonmouths are the only snake to move toward me. Not saying they chased me, they just came toward me.

[@brentcross4707]

There was a cotton mouth that lived at a pond I used to fish. I accidentally stepped on him several times and never got hit.

[@PaulJonas-q7p]

Your fortunate freind stay lucky

[@DL-yv1ko]

My two cents as a Florida wildlife biologist: I've been around hundreds of cottonmouths, dozens of diamondbacks, and a few other of the various venomous snakes (including coral snakes). Rattlesnakes are almost always lazy and slow. I've only ever had one strike at me, and I've had to relocate quite a few. While cottonmouths DO NOT CHASE PEOPLE, they are quick to assume a defensive position and scurry around much more quickly and with less prompt to do so than other venomous snakes.

[@MyWildBackyard]

@@DL-yv1ko this is the most accurate take I’ve seen. Agkistrodon in general are very skittish snakes and can be a lot more erratic than rattlers- quicker to squirm around or assume defensive poses and strike. But I’d never consider them to be aggressive.

[@BIGLON-cf1ul]

Guys, i have a giant rat snake living with me in a tint shop! He or she is freaking beautiful! Real talk!

[@larm1932]

Yesss, spencer dropped a new video. Lets go!!!

[@TerilynRose1976]

The rattle is one of my favorite animal sounds!!

[@simianbarcode3011]

Irwin would be proud. Keep up the great content!

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

Thanks for the video. Love snakes 😅

[@desirayelawrence9676]

You really stepped into my territory with this video as I've got several venomous snakes that range from mildly venomous not likely to kill but will be a bad day all the way up to the most venomous snake on the planet . I'm happy to see more people like you educating the world on snakes and how they aren't really anymore dangerous than any other creature or insect. They just simply want to be left al one to go about their day. They prefer to save their venom for prey that they can take down quickly and consume. They don't wish to bite human's but if provoked or you may not notice the snake and step on it or come to close to it etc and may be bitten but they rather not use their venom on us because it takes a lot of energy for them the produce that venom. Thank you for helping educate people on these beautiful creatures!

[@gregash7683]

Very informative video! always curious about neurotoxins.

[@Herbie11]

The copperhead is still one of the most beautiful snakes in the US.

[@MyWildBackyard]

@@Herbie11 100%. Those and eastern diamondbacks I think. EDBs just don’t look real

[@christopherwilson2606]

I've played disc golf through-out the southern USA: Ran across dozens of snakes. My disc landed near them; they didn't land near me ...they just wanted to be left alone. Puppy dogs of the woods.

[@micahfoley9572]

"humans have used tools to conquer the world" laughs in greenland shark

[@wizzyforeverr]

fascinating stuff! great breakdown on why each snake has a different type and strength of venom!

[@MyWildBackyard]

Love doin stuff like this

[@mrkipling2201]

You've earned a new subscriber!!

[@sutherngirrl7590]

I love that you did this video. These reptiles are lucky to have you!

[@MyWildBackyard]

@@sutherngirrl7590 so glad you enjoyed! Hope you’re doing well, haven’t seen you in the comments in a while!

[@Mason-it2step]

I found a Bold Jumping Spider crawling on a window and then jumped away at my Front Yard this morning!

[@hristohristov6488]

Great educational video!

[@200434ton]

Another great video!

[@MyWildBackyard]

Thank you!

[@AlfonseGambino]

Spectacular job my friend. You are living the dream like. I always wanted to be a zoologist, or biologist, but I have terrible ADHD. I can't even sit through a movie with my children my mind races so much. You are so knowledgeable it's amazing. It's seriously on my bucket list to go searching with animals with you guys some day. Once again, great job guys the footage was great.

[@PaulJonas-q7p]

I'm a British rooftiler slater my 18 year old labourer also has ADHT he's a lovely young man but hard to teach so know what you mean by head allover the place freind I bet you struggle with it , just do your best its you can do don't let it get you down freind❤

[@cindys9491]

Gorgeous footage. Note: there are neurotoxic vipers too (or neuro/hemotoxic combination vipers as well). Mojave rattlesnakes, timber rattlesnakes with Canebrake toxin, Southern Pacific rattlesnakes, and some prairie rattlesnakes have venom with neurotoxins in it. It helps them keep one step ahead of their prey's resistance.

[@MyWildBackyard]

There are! Typically we see hemotoxins in their venom here so I went more general for the sake of this video (or it would have been WAY longer lol)

[@coyote520]

The Sonoran Sidewinder I rescued last month, has proven to be THE most docile snake I have ever encountered, wild or otherwise. Strangely enough, ALL of the snakes in my little area are docile, even the Western Diamondbacks. When I come across them, they don't rattle or make any attempt at getting away. In fact they show hardly any interest in me being there other than a few flicks of the tongue. To this day, in the three years I have lived in this little region, not one snake has made any attempt at striking or biting me.

[@mom369222]

Usually if you leave Mr. Snake alone,they will go on their way,but too many people when they see a snake get too close, they they get bitten, and wonder why! Duh,wake up,LEAVE THEM BE!!I I have been lucky enough to only find Garden Snakes. A few years ago we had huge, long Garden Snake.I left it alone, and it left me alone.

[@terryt2728]

Those Pygmy rattlesnakes are beautiful. That Coral snake with the white is amazing.

[@Kageoni187]

5:11 OMG, that pigmy rattlesnake is the cutest little scaley tube of death❤❤😂😂😂

[@Paula-sw2tt]

When I was a kid, I saw a wild baby sidewinder curled up. I watch it for at least thirty minutes. It was so beautiful. I am 69 years wise now and I will never forget that magical encounter. I did witness a neighbor's horse lose its life to a Mojave green rattlesnake in AZ once. I ❤ snakes and currently own a male anaconda morph plains hognose. Aspen is the sweetest, calmest snake that I have ever owned and I would have to hurt him to get him to bite me!

[@jimmaddox2415]

Spencer your nature videos are so educational and entertaining,and this video brings a question to mine that may never be answered,but I have always wondered why some snakes evolve to be venomous while others do not🤔

[@MyWildBackyard]

@@jimmaddox2415 we’re not 100% sure. Likely started out as random mutation that just worked a bit better than other predation strategies and the venomous species proliferated from there. There’s this hypothesis (forget its name) that most extant snakes evolved from a common venomous ancestor and that many non venomous snakes actually LOST their venom over time. If we look at all the biggest families (Colubridae, Viperidae, Elapidae) they all have venomous members. And since the morphology they use to deliver the venom if they have it (fangs) is usually consistent across families there is some weight to it.

[@Redbaron_sites]

Lots of people do herp video, but yours are always the most informative.❤

[@matthewmcclure3181]

Another informative and well presented video from Spencer. Your comment about ring-necked snakes peeked my interest, something to expect in a future episode? Would also be interested in a deeper dive on Timbers. Browsing the snakebite fatality database for North America, I found a lot higher count attributed to Timbers than I expected. I realize they have a comparatively large distribution and high venom yield, but probably more to the story (like geo-specific venom composition -> similar to Mojaves). Another interesting topic would be irukandji and box jellyfish in the Atlantic. Only a matter of time before they migrate further north from the Florida Keys. Three navy divers have already found out the hard way in the Florida Keys.

[@MyWildBackyard]

@@matthewmcclure3181 I wanna cover irukandji so bad! Jellies are some of my favorite creatures, I just don’t currently have the resources to film them. Timbers would be a very interesting subject, I’ll need to do some more research on them to see what answers I can find.

[@TheVanillatech]

Hardly any snakes here in the UK. In my entire life, I've seen only one so far. They exist but they are rare and elusive and none of them are dangerous (except the escaped pets).

[@just4193]

you have 1 adder species

[@BIGLON-cf1ul]

Are you a wanker?

[@TheVanillatech]

@@just4193 I only saw a single snake, a slow worm (very small garden snake) when I was a kid, in my back garden. That's it. And I've walked the length and bredth of England over the years. Yorkshire moors, the dales, lake district, countless stately home grounds and forest and fields. Just don't see them. I wonder where they are hiding...

[@ArcticTron]

@@TheVanillatech It does seem like the European Adder is classified as Vulnerable so they might be on the verge of becoming an endangered species (in the UK at least) so perhaps that is part of the reason. Also if the Wildlife Aid Foundation is to be believed you guys apparently only have 3 snakes species native there. To be fair that is more than your neighbors on the island of Ireland have which is... zero species of native snakes. Actually for that matter you mentioned you saw a slow worm? That isn't even a snake, that's a legless lizard.

[@colinrobinson4233]

@@TheVanillatech I see them almost everyday between May and August in the UK. Adders and grass snakes mostly. There are hundreds by the lake where I live. Also, slow worms are legless lizards, not snakes 👍

[@jaimeortega4940]

There are some rare mountainous races of Sothern Pacific Rattlesnakes that for whatever reason possess venom that your usual antivenin doesn't work well with. So probably a completely different type of venom perhaps caused by prey selection or genetic mutation.

[@MyWildBackyard]

@@jaimeortega4940 I have heard about that! Some of the populations have been compared to Mojave rattlesnake venom potency, I’d be curious to see what the reason behind it is.

[@UkuleleBobbyKemp]

Superb Spencer - some gorgeous snakes there and always fascinating to get your insight on these special creatures... 🙏🏻 Thanks a lot as ever, Bobby 🐭

[@AntonioAlmeida-yr9rp]

Great video, very informative, Thank you!!

[@J_..._]

A copperhead bit the little finger of my right hand. The fangs went in the back side of my finger and came out on the other side. I ended up in the hospital for 3 days or so. My hand swelled up to the point that my skin was about to rip apart. The pain made its way all the way up to my shoulder and slightly into my chest. I had to constantly keep my arm elevated to reduce the pressure that was building up. As far as the pain goes, it felt like I was stung by 50 yellow jackets or so, but the most memorable aspect was my hand/lower arm felt like it was submerged in a pot of boiling water (not exaggerating). Copperheads may not be typically lethal, but they can do massive damage depending on the amount of venom injected and where the bite occurs. The doc wouldn't release me for a few days because the surgeons were waiting to see if they were going to have amputate my finger as well as do something about the swelling throughout the rest of my hand/wrist area. Absolutely the most painful experience of my life. 0/10 Would not recommend 👎👎👎 🖕🖕 👉 🐍🐍🐍🐍

[@marv7592]

Love ur stuff ❤

[@sharonrigs7999]

Fun fact: An Eastern Coral Snake caused the first fatality of the Civil War when a 15yo Reb Drummer Boy tried to ' charm ' the snake and was bitten.

[@richardhincemon]

Daniel Hough became the first soldier to die in the Civil War after a cannon went off prematurely after the Battle of Fort Sumpter. Lots of myths about snakes !

[@AlfonseGambino]

Poor guy. It must have been horrible to go through at such a young age.

[@AlbertStimson]

very sad story, but also uncanny when thinking about the King Arthur and Mordred legend, where they tried to have peace talks and a random snake bite caused a drawn sword and the war to break out

[@sharonrigs7999]

@@AlbertStimson I had forgotten that tale! Yes, I can definitely see the similarity

[@СпасЯнков-э2ч]

What a great informative video thank you for uploading

[@Noah-j5u5g]

I went camping in oklahoma a few weeks back. Camping with a friend, his wife, and his two little kids. Friend almost stepped on a coiled diamondback next to his car before i told him to stop moving. I got a steve irwin style pic laying behind it (also dont recommend) Literally right outside his car. Then, i almost stepped on a different one at night walking the trails (dont do that at night) and luckily saw it last second. As we left, my buddy spotted a baby copperhead at the base of a tree i almost stepped on - returning the fabor from earlier. Very intense night for camping.

[@HorrorPrincess7]

Always love your videos :-)

[@BK_718]

We have rattle snakes in NY lol just take the metro north train an hour north of nyc (about 40 miles) and you will see them in Harriman and bear mountain state parks lol we also have copperheads

[@Ryan-cx5zr]

Looking into the eyes of a pit viper staring me down strikes terror in my heart. I’m a grown man that grew up in the woods and they still scare the hell out of me.

[@Spacemade]

My best friend had an encounter with a cottonmouth when he was 14, he’s 34 now, and word has it that cottonmouth is still chasing him. 🤭 Great, educational video, appreciate all the hard work.

[@markkubiak8296]

No need to worry about coral snakes, just don't handle them!

[@ryanr5534]

Cottonmouths CAN be genuinely aggressive. I am an avid snake-lover and lifelong snake-catcher. I have studied and admired these misunderstood creatures my entire life. The one exception in the snake world to have repeatedly shocked me; is the Cottonmouth. While on a small row-boat fishing with some friends; we saw one swimming. I was joking that it would attack; but then to my shock, it turned towards us, head elevated, and swam swiftly towards us, and tried to climb into the boat. My friend repeatedly wacked it with a fishing pole to knock it back in the water... Granted, it may have been seeking the boat to get out of the water; but at the very least, it certainly wasn't shy about trying to climb into a crowded boat. To further their case for being aggressive; again; I have NO fear of snakes and have handled them all my life, so no reason for hysteria... Yet; one time, while kayaking through a dark and densely jungled tributary of the Wakieva River in Florida; I heard a splash behind me. I turned and saw a small cottonmouth swimming towards me. I suppose it fell from a tree. I thought it was amusing, until I heard another splash, and saw another one in front of me swimming towards me.. Then, as I began to paddle away, I heard splashes all around, and saw at least 20 snakes swimming towards me from all different sides. They continued falling and swimming towards me, chasing me as I paddled as fast as I can. Then, suddenly, as I passed a certain seemingly invisible boundary; the army of snakes all abruptly stopped chasing and dispersed in every direction. To be clear; being experienced in handling snakes; I have never encountered any such snake behavior. I never would have imagined aggressive armies of water moccasins actually chasing me.. I always thought these were stories invented by people who have an irrational fear of snakes. But I was wrong. This particular species, the Cottonmouth, is clearly prone to aggression, though it seems to be territorial more so than predatory.. One way or another; that is the only snake I go out of my way to avoid. Their behavior is simply much less predictable than any and all other snakes in the US. FWIW; rattlesnakes are honest and straightforward. That rattle means back off; and if you instead step on it; then you will regret it. I don't fault them for that. Have handled several, and find them to be entirely reasonable snakes. Also; coral snakes are harmless. Sure they can kill you; but I have never encountered one which had any interest in biting a human... Maybe just don't dangle your pinky finger in front of one, and you'll be fine. I'd have no concerns free-handling a coral snake.. Cottonmouths remain the only snake that makes me very nervous.

[@prophez23]

Yeah I was born and raised in Texas east Texas specifically way out in the middle of nowhere on the Sabine river bottom is where I roamed the majority of my life and anyone telling you that cottonmouths aren't aggressive haven't messed around with them much. I'm as not afraid of snakes as it gets and I wasn't mistaking their behavior for anything other than what it really was. Certain times of the year I noticed that they were far more aggressive than other times and after further studying their behavior I learned that during times they lay eggs or have live birth which is very normal for them that was when they were the most aggressive. I've been chased by them and it was no mistaking that it was truly being chased after. It's not always the norm but it absolutely happens.

[@ryanr5534]

@@prophez23 I have noticed similar patterns. I mentioned they always make me nervous. But that doesn't mean they always chase. There have been times I have stumbled upon them and they were totally passive. I never saw any eggs or live births. But I have noticed they are always docile in cooler weather, which isn't at all surprising. But in the warmer months, their tendency to be aggressive always shocked me.

[@Ray-vq2jc]

@@prophez23 I know a guy in Florida where we were camping in Florida North East in the mid 70s and a smaller baby cotton mouth tried to crawl up his doody hole , and I concluded because it was looking to warm up because it really got cooler that night. He was bitten and treated but came out all right but it was really painful. It was a really shitty deal.

[@kategreat07]

Your kayaking experience truly sounds like a nightmare to me! I don't know what I would do!

[@ryanr5534]

@@Ray-vq2jc lmao 🤣 I can't imagine!

[@vurttv6415]

Grew up in the uk, because of tv, my most feared sound in my childhood was the rattlesnakes!!

[@xxfloppypillowxx]

They'll never suspect that a Hershey Kiss will attack, they're playing 4d chess.

[@gotchaplumber]

Thank you!

[@tannermartin1636]

You have to post more to meet the algorithm that’s probably why your videos aren’t getting passed around. People that tend to make more shares and subscribers do twice a week. Half way through the week post a 2 min video about an interesting fact or something like that and post longer videos once a week or so will help out a lot.

[@brettscott7770]

Snakes are cool Great video.

[@Isaac-The-Colubrid]

Good work, mate.

[@NBKGeminiMan]

I want to see some more non venomous snakes. Pythons, ball pythons, garter snakes. Things of that nature!

[@MyWildBackyard]

Tracking down Burmese pythons next week in Florida if everything works out!

[@NBKGeminiMan]

@@MyWildBackyard so excited!!

[@r.awilliams9815]

The most venomous snake I'm least afraid of...the coral snake. Yeah, they can mess you up, but you'll have to really annoy it to provoke a strike. Most chill elapid I've ever been around.

[@jimbaughman4005]

When I first moved from California to Arkansas I went fishing in a 5 acre pond. A cotton nouth came out of the middle of the pond and came up on the bank to chase me. I had to use my pole and a stick to fend him off of me. Truely chased me.

[@sharendonnelly7770]

Your video was suggested on my feed, so I watched it and was very impressed by your message. Thank you! I would never own a snake, but I love and respect them. Snakes are an important part of many ecosystems and should be appreciated, not maligned. I think that is what you are giving to the viewers. Just saw that you did a video on venomous spider! I love spiders, too! LOL Have to subscribe, this is just "to me" to ignore. Looking forward to your content.

[@MyWildBackyard]

Well welcome aboard! Loads of creepy crawly stuff on the way, love sharing all these things

[@KarenRedd-mp8qj]

In Arkansas I was in a boat once with a cottonmouth trying to get in the boat, they are VERY dangerous. Our boat sank 5 feet from the bank and I do believe I walked on water that day!

[@Walkercolt1]

"Yellow between red and black; It's alright!" Old backwoods Okie and Arkie saying when picking up wood I learned when I was 2 1/2 from my Great-Grandfather up on Magazine Mountain, AR.

[@valiantwarrior4517]

Your videos are always so entertaining, Master Spencer. And I live that you never fail to stress the innocence of these misunderstood, but amazing and beautiful animals. I don’t think I noticed the coral snake biting the hook in the original video. Feisty thing. 😆 I live in Utah and went camping and hiking a lot when I was growing up. I’ve only ever come across one living rattlesnake in the wild. It escaped into a burrow before I could even get a gold look at it. Probably a good thing, because I was born without proper self-preservation instincts. 😂 I did chase after it. 🙈 Other than that, a friend and I found a large dead rattlesnake that must have washed down from the canyon when the creek flooded one year. Was missing its head. But was most likely a Western Diamondback.

[@gemstonethehybrid]

12:19 I personally called the rattlesnakes, the anxiety, snakes because they do it out of fear and dude I just wanna be left around I empathize with that level

[@bradsmithstudios8881]

Awesome video

[@number4cat1]

A friend was bitten on the left ankle by a Copperhead in 1984. His leg was so swollen up to his groin that he had to wear shorts that were slit up the side. He was sitting in a chair at a party, and we were laughing because he couldn't keep his swollen left testicle inside his shorts. I don't think he would agree that Copperhead venom is relatively weak.

[@Ray-vq2jc]

Your right, people have died from the bite of a Copperhead although rare and its really painful bite. It depends on the size of the snake or the size of the person.

[@joshuasuggs2379]

But you said it yourself. Relatively

[@andreyoung3983]

Hilarious story! If you get bitten by a snake in Australia if you went to a party instead of hospital after being bitten you wouldn’t have a swollen testicle you’d probably be dead 😂

[@baneverything5580]

I`ve never had any problems with Cottonmouths and I`ve been around thousands of them since the 60s. They will approach you when you`re fishing, especially at night, looking for food and that may be why people think they`re coming after them. Copperheads are a different story. I`m really scared of those after some surprise bites and several other close calls. One killed my dog too.

[@DIDYOUSEETHAT172]

3:41 I lived in a temperate climate, almost a desert, oil town, volunteered animal rescue, and fell into a little side business rescuing prairie rattlesnakes from around town. They don't want to strike, only as a last resort. They can also launch themselves forward appearing to jump, that will get your heart going a bit first time you experience it. 😁😁

[@stevebradley7721]

Did you forget the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake?

[@MyWildBackyard]

Since this was a more general discussion video I lump them with pygmy rattlesnakes since they’re all Sistrurus. Same with how I didn’t mention broad banded copperheads or Florida cottonmouths despite them being distinct species as well

[@luke144]

When I was a kid my family lived out in the middle of nowhere. We lived next to the fire chief in the town. I loved going out and finding reptiles. I caught a baby copperhead thinking it was a different snake. I was holding it when our neighbor came out and asked me what I was doing. He ripped the snake out of my hand and stepped on it. He picked up the dead snake and showed me it's fangs. He said "I can tell your mom or you can". Needles to say my mom made reptile hunting strictly forbidden. My and my friend went out hunting anyways and my friend got bitten by a huge copperhead. He stepped right on it. He almost didn't make it home. He went into shock as soon as we got to his house. His mom was SUPER pissed off. I got in a lot of trouble and my friend at the time spent about a week in the hospital. It was BAD! He almost lost his leg to swelling. They had to lance his skin to save his leg. It was the most pain I've ever seen a person in. He was screaming at the top of his lungs. Be safe!

[@josephbernard5240]

Hognose: I am a venomous beast, FEAR ME! *flares hood* Me: ohhhhh muh goodness, little dude’s doing a cober!

[@alikhat1647]

There are a lot of stories of Cottonmouths chasing people in here, and I have experienced it as well, but they only do this during breeding season, and almost all snakes are more aggressive when they’re shedding their skin.

[@girlbuu9403]

Here's an extra rock for your avalanche. I've encountered a water moccasin five times in my life. Two of them were near water and took off immediately, one of them curled up and showed the cotton, but two of those five they actively chased me when I was backing up. And before you say "they were trying to escape and accidentally went in your direction" one made a feint strike at me just to drive home the point that I should leave. Some of them clearly believe the best defense is a good offense. I've never had a rattlesnake do this and have encountered them more often. Call it passionately defensive if you want (the chase was short) or try to turn this into insecurity about masculinity (I'm a woman) but dismissing why people consider this snake aggressive isn't doing you and others trying to downplay the temperament of the snake any favors. Just like saying if you get bitten you're at fault. Oh sure, people intentionally go out with the premediated plan to step on a highly camouflaged animal. I know I put up a "vacancy for pit vipers" sign over my back porch so I can startle one by the act of leaving my home and have it strike at me from between the steps. How you word things matters more than you realize. For example, you could have driven home the point of the coral snake being an elapid by naming another famous elapid group that you didn't, and it would have driven the point home for people unfamiliar with sea snakes. Cobra.

[@randquadrozzi1280]

Coral snakes are all over my area in SW Florida.Seen a kid playing with one on TV and dad almost passed out when he seen what was up.luckily they are docile and have a hard time delivering a bite.I see cottonmouths regularly when fishing

[@petehoover6616]

A cottonmouth who is confronted by a large creature will often head towards it. Because it works for the snake.

[@baneverything5580]

We have a lot of the light colored Pygmy Rattlesnakes in central Louisiana. They can be comically tiny with micro rattles.

[@heronimousbrapson863]

Fortunately, here in Canada, the only seriously venomous snakes we have are rattlesnakes.

[@allfordogs4421]

You're right . Here comes my comment. I was chased by a cotton mouth. It kept me on the move for about 30 yards

[@donaldhudson2235]

In reality, a Copper head., give it a little time they can get big. I'm talking 4 foot long and I have personally seen them. And cotton Mouth. I've seen them 5 plus foot long.

[@christopherscroggins7404]

Im on the creek a vast majority of weekends hiking,and ill say cottonmouths have never chased me. Ive seen countless and they always slither away

[@rtblackev8]

I work as a healthcare provider. You mentioned copperheads are not that toxic. We had two patients, in separate instances, get bitten by copperheads in a months time. Neither one died but both went into acute renal failure and both had to go on dialysis for a couple months. Oh, by the way the antivenom, Crofab, is around $3000 per vial and patients usually need 4 to 6 vials. So if you like raking up an expensive hospital bill that you most likely will not be able to pay then go ahead and mess around with copperhead.

[@cuezaireekaa]

so i wonder, if i was just laying down in a field and i fell asleep...if one of these snakes happened upon me, would they investigate me, or bite me? or... would they just carry on without messing with me? great video guys!

[@MyWildBackyard]

Most likely carry on. They’d sense the large heat source, maybe a tongue flick or two, then move about their way. If you’re not moving around or making large vibrations they likely wouldn’t read you as a direct threat, just an obstacle.

[@cmd31220]

"If you are bitten, it's almost certainly your fault" is the truest thing said in this video. I've handled wild reptiles my entire life and have only ever been bit 3 times. #1 was my first season python hunting in South Florida, where I jumped onto a 12 ft Burmese python and grabbed too low on its head, it reared around faster than you'd think it was capable of, and locked onto my wrist. He only let go after pouring rubbing alcohol over its head (and my open wound, ow) #2 was a copperhead I was removing from an outhouse. He was entering shed and that's when snakes are the most erratic, as they functionally go blind and can only see light and dark. So they assume everything is trying to eat them and they strike first and ask questions later. #3 was a Gila Monster. I was on a trip to Arizona and saw one on some rocks outside the hotel. I went up to grab some pictures, misjudged how close I was getting, and it bit me on my ring finger. And let me tell you, that is the worst pain I've ever experienced in my entire life. Lionfish stings and fire coral are NOTHING compared to a gila monster, and it just doesn't stop. It feels like you're on fire from the inside, and that pain lasts for days. Definitely leave then be. They look derpy but they pack one hell of a punch