What Are Coral Snake Look Alikes?

A coral snake look alike is a type of snake that looks similar to the venomous coral snake, but is actually harmless. Although it may resemble the coral snake, it has a different pattern of colored bands and is not poisonous. In the United States, there are three species of coral snake look alikes: the scarlet king snake, the black-headed snake, and the Mexican mole kingsnake.

Scarlet King Snake

The scarlet king snake is the most common of the three look alikes. It is usually black or dark brown with yellow, orange, or red bands. It has a yellow snout and a dark line that runs from the eyes to the neck. The scarlet king snake is found in the eastern and southeastern United States.

Black-Headed Snake

The black-headed snake is similar to the scarlet king snake in size, but it has a black head instead of a yellow one. Its bands are yellow and black. It is found in the southeastern United States.

Mexican Mole Kingsnake

The Mexican mole kingsnake is the longest of the three look alikes. It is usually gray or brown, with black, red, and yellow bands. It is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

How To Tell the Difference Between Coral Snake Look Alikes and Coral Snakes?

The best way to tell the difference between a coral snake look alike and a coral snake is to look at the pattern of the colored bands. Coral snakes have bands of red, yellow, and black, and the red and yellow bands always touch. Coral snake look alikes have a different pattern, with the yellow and red bands separated by a black band.

Are Coral Snake Look Alikes Dangerous?

No, coral snake look alikes are not dangerous. Although they may look similar to the venomous coral snake, they are actually harmless. If you see one, you don't need to be afraid.

Where Can You Find Coral Snake Look Alikes?

Coral snake look alikes live in the eastern and southeastern United States, as well as Mexico. They like to hide in the ground, under rocks and logs, and in the crevices of trees.

Conclusion

Coral snake look alikes are a type of harmless snake that looks similar to the venomous coral snake. There are three species of coral snake look alikes: the scarlet king snake, the black-headed snake, and the Mexican mole kingsnake. To tell them apart from coral snakes, look at the pattern of the colored bands. Coral snake look alikes are not dangerous and can be found in the eastern and southeastern United States, as well as Mexico.