The "rules" for spotting a venomous snake do not work and get harmless snakes killed. So what do you do instead? Learn the venomous animals that actually live near you. Not just snakes; a few spiders count too. Most snakes are harmless, but most places have one or a few whose bite is a medical emergency. Just as every kid learns to look both ways before crossing the street, every kid should learn to recognize the handful of dangerous species in their own area. It is a basic safety skill. No single book covers everywhere, so this takes a little research, and it is a perfect project for you and your adult partner.
This lesson is part of Certified Junior Herpetologist. Enrollment is self-paced, with no deadline to finish (about 30 hours).
