Yellow snakes feed on mice.
Snakes are perpetually mysterious creatures, known to shed their skin and harbor deadly venom. There are many types of snakes that are poisonous or harmful to humans. Snakes come in all shapes and sizes of colors, including many variations of yellow. Yellow snakes live all over the world, come from many different species, and can be very beautiful and fascinating.
Medical attention should be sought in the event of a snake bite, even if the bite is not painful.
While there is a common belief that all yellow snakes are poisonous, this is far from the truth. The Jamaican yellow boa is a non-venomous snake that can reach 2.43 m in length. Although these snakes feed on small rodents and birds, the number of species has greatly decreased due to habitat loss and hunting by humans. Once the island’s top predator, the yellow boa is now listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).
The venom from a yellow-bellied sea snake can cause kidney failure in its victims.
Some yellow snakes do better in the United States, where the yellow rat snake is generally known as a harmless creature to humans. The distinctive yellow and black striped snake lives throughout the southeastern part of the United States, and while it may try to wag its tail like a rattlesnake, the creature is nonvenomous and only uses this behavior to scare off predators. Another common snake in the United States, the corn snake is a visually stunning creature that displays complex color patterns of yellow, orange, red, and black. These yellow snakes are popular pets, known to have withdrawn natures.
While all of these species are nonvenomous, not all types of yellow snakes are safe. Featuring a striking pattern of alternating red and yellow bands, the coral snake has powerful venom, second only to the rattlesnake in North America. The yellow-bellied sea snake inhabits tropical waters and has a neurotoxic venom that can cause paralysis, kidney failure, and cardiac arrest.
While there are many yellow snakes that have their colors naturally, some yellow snakes have been bred by snake breeders through selective breeding. Some, like the albino ball python, are vividly patterned with yellow and white rings and spots. Modified snake breeding is popular with some snake enthusiasts, although no pure yellow snake has been successfully bred to date.
It is important to remember that most snakes of any color are harmless to humans and generally want to be left alone. Since some are poisonous, wildlife experts recommend avoiding contact with any wild snake, even if it appears harmless. Even without venom, snakes can bite hard and painfully and should not be caught. Also, as many snake species are experiencing population declines due to habitat loss, wild snakes are often best left alone. If a person receives a snake bite, even if it does not hurt, medical attention is usually recommended.