Coral snakes are found in tropical regions of North America and are often confused with nonpoisonous (nonvenomous)
milk snakes because they look similar.
Coral snakes have red bands with yellow rings on either side. Milk snakes have red bands with black rings on either side. Some people learn the difference by memorizing a short rhyme: "Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, venom lack."
Coral snake source: NASA John C. Stennis Space
Center
Milk snake source:
U.S.G.S. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
ByHealthwise Staff Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Specialist Medical ReviewerSean P. Bush, MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine, Envenomation Specialist
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Sean P. Bush, MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine, Envenomation Specialist
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