Pit vipers have certain features that can help distinguish them from nonvenomous snakes:
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Pits between the eyes and nose
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Rows of single scales across the underside of the tail
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Triangular heads (like an arrowhead)
Nonvenomous snakes tend to have the following:
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Rows of double scales across the underside of the tail
If people see a snake with no fangs, they should not assume it is nonvenomous because the fangs may be retracted.