Eastern Coral snake

Eastern Coral Snake

(Micrurus fulvius)[17]

Distribution:

The Eastern Coral snake has a very similar range to the Eastern Diamondback. They can be found from the coast of west Texas to southern North Carolina. In North Carolina, the Eastern Coral snake have been sighted throughout the southeastern part of the state. Coral snakes tend to live out towards sand dunes and coastal communities. 

North Carolina Eastern Coral Snake range[4]

Description:

The Eastern Coral snake tends to be about 3 feet at full adult length. The Eastern Coral snake is very slender and its head is not immediately distinguishable from the rest of the body. The coloration of the snake is an easy identifier. The Eastern Coral snake has a red, black and yellow banded pattern. The red and black large bands on the back are outlined by thin yellow lines between. The Scarlet King snake lives in the same area as the Eastern Coral snake and unfortunately has the same coloration but with a different pattern. The Scarlet King snake has red and yellow sections surrounded by black sections. The head of the Scarlet King snake is also red with the first band being black. The Eastern Coral snake has a black head with the first band being yellow. Another common saying to remember the difference is, "yellow on black friend of jack, red on yellow kill a fellow" (Conant, 1975; Wilson, 2003).

Scarlet King Snake[18]

Eastern Coral Snake[19]

Toxins and Bite Statistics:

The Eastern Coral snake is part of the elapid family and uses a neurotoxin which effects muscle contractions in the body. If it is left untreated then it can lead to heart failure. Being bitten by a coral snake is highly unlikely as their fangs are soft and in the back of their mouths. The last recorded fatal bite from a coral snake was over 40 years ago (Norris 2009) The coral snake also uses bright coloration as a warning to predators and possible threats that the Coral Snake uses venom.

What to do if Bitten: 

If you are bitten, it is important to remain calm. Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake which bit you. Call the Carolina's Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. When you do call, try your best to recall what snake bit you. Attempt to clean the wound if you have access to soap and water. Cleaning with warm soap and water helps to prevent further infection. A hard compression wrap or tourniquet has been shown to reduce the infected area and slow damage. Make sure that if you apply a wrap to place it above and below the injury tight enough to only allow one finger between the bandage and your arm (Norris 2004). If you can not reach the CPC for whatever reason, call 911 immediately. The police can help you find a local hospital with antivenin. If you can, have a family member or friend take you to the nearest hospital where you can receive proper treatment.