Milk Snake Vs Coral Snake: A Comparison

What Are Milk and Coral Snakes?

Milk and coral snakes are both species of non-venomous colubrid snakes that are native to North America. Both of them are brightly colored, and have several similarities in terms of coloration and pattern. This is why they are often confused with one another. Milk snakes are typically found in North and Central America, while coral snakes are found in the United States and Mexico.

How to Distinguish Between a Milk and Coral Snake

The most common way to tell the difference between a milk and coral snake is by their color pattern. Milk snakes have a red, black, and yellow or white pattern, while coral snakes have a red, yellow, and black pattern. Another way to tell them apart is by their size. Milk snakes tend to be larger than coral snakes, and they also have more scales than coral snakes.

Behavior and Habits of Milk and Coral Snakes

Milk snakes are usually active during the day, while coral snakes are usually active during the night. Milk snakes are also more active and tend to be more curious than coral snakes, which are usually solitary and shy creatures. Milk snakes are also more likely to be found near human habitation than coral snakes, as they are more adapted to live in close proximity with humans.

Diet Differences Between Milk and Coral Snakes

Milk snakes and coral snakes both feed on small animals such as lizards, frogs, and rodents. However, coral snakes tend to feed on smaller prey than milk snakes. Milk snakes also tend to eat more eggs and carrion than coral snakes.

Reproduction Differences Between Milk and Coral Snakes

Milk snakes lay eggs, while coral snakes give birth to live young. Milk snakes typically lay anywhere from 4-15 eggs, while coral snakes typically give birth to 3-8 live young.

Habitat Differences Between Milk and Coral Snakes

Milk snakes typically live in open woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas, while coral snakes tend to live in more humid environments, such as swamps and marshes.

Are Milk and Coral Snakes Dangerous to Humans?

Neither milk nor coral snakes are dangerous to humans. They are non-venomous and are not known to attack humans. However, they should still be handled with caution, as they can bite if they feel threatened.

Conclusion

Milk and coral snakes are both non-venomous colubrid snakes that are native to North America. They are often confused with one another due to their similar color patterns, but there are several differences between them, including their size, behavior, diet, and habitat. Neither of them are dangerous to humans, but they should still be handled with caution.