Pit vipers have certain features that can help distinguish them from nonvenomous snakes:
-
-
Pits between the eyes and nose
-
-
Rows of single scales across the underside of the tail
-
Triangular heads (like an arrowhead)
Nonvenomous snakes tend to have the following:
-
-
-
-
-
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.
