Originally Posted by
Iowa Don
My sister was an ER nurse in Ft. Meyers, Fla. A gentleman was brought in who had been "playing with" a coral snake. This reptile has quite short fangs, usually not more than 3/8". However, the venom is very powerful. In fact, it cost over $300,000 to keep this guy alive! There is a mnemonic about "color next to color" is a friend to Jack; " 'color' " next to black" kills Jack. I don't remember it, and since I live in Iowa, have only to concern myself with Massaugua rattlers, Timber rattlers, Prairie rattlers, and Copperheads.
The Massaugua is not common, up to 30", and found in a very few marshy areas. The Timber's live mostly in the bluffs along the Mississippi and in an area SE of Des Moines. I've seen them over 5' and as big as my forearm around. They are the most common rattler in Iowa. Prairie's are found in the Northern Loess Hills along the Missouri, and are not very common. All rattlers are protected species in the state. There is a small isolated population of copperheads about 20 miles north of Ottumwa, in the SE part of the state and are seen infrequently at best.
I have encountered people from thevery farthest SE part of the state who heatedly insist there are Cottonmouths here, but specimens always turn out to be Common Brown Water Snakes. While they do have a nasty disposition and mimic the gape threat of a Cottonmouth, other than blood poisoning or other infection from the bite, are harmless.
Nor should we forget the American Crocodile, for whom we would all make a tasty meal. These are generally coastal creatures, but nonetheless quite dangerous for the same reasons as the American Alligator.
In closing, "Good on ya" for posting this thread.
Yet, when all is said and done, I find the "Streetus Animalous" to be the most feared, although easily rebuked with a lethal hot lead injection. It's cunning and savagery make it difficult to discern at times, though it is normally found close to it's lair. It may ask for a light, a dollar, or something else. Avoiding it's normal haunts is easy, and after living in Chicago for 7 years, some of it driving a taxi, I am well practiced in the art and science of recognizing these critters. You should be too.
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