The Arizona coral snake is a small snake with a characteristic pattern of black, yellow and red rings that encircle its body. This pattern distinguishes it from many look-alike nonvenomous snakes.
The Arizona coral snake averages less than 2 feet. It is a shy animal, rarely responsible for significant bites. There has never been a death attributed to the Arizona species.
Nursery rhyme, to differentiate from nonvenomous king snake:
- Red on black, friend of Jack
- Red on yellow, unlucky fellow
The size of the snake and immobility of its fangs make bites unlikely. Nonetheless, this snake should not be handled. A bite will cause tiny puncture wounds, minimal pain and swelling. Symptoms are often delayed. Complaints of drowsiness, apprehension, giddiness, nausea, vomiting and salivation can appear 1 to 7 hours after the bite.
For specific treatment options, call the poison center experts.
Do not delay--take the victim to a medical facility.