Snake of the Day

Part 2 in a 5 part series

Featured Snake: Coral Snake (65+ species total)

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Leptomicrurus
Micrurus
Micruroides

Species: Over 65

Coral snakes (pictured above) are known mainly for their red, yellow or white, and black bands around the length of their body. As commonly learned about in the 4th grade science class unit on camouflage and adaptation, coral snakes can commonly be confused with the eerily similar Scarlet Kingsnake. The difference being that the Scarlet Kingsnake (pictured below) has a harmless bite and most coral snakes have extremely potent venom. The difference is often remembered with simple mnemonic devices like “Red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, venom lack,” or “"If red touches black, it's OK, Jack. If red touches yellow, you're a dead fellow." It is important to note that these particular devices only work for coral snakes that call North America home.

Most coral snakes are short in length, though it is not unusual that they grow to around 24 inches. Some specimens have been reported at 60 inches or longer. Coral snakes tend to live a reclusive life, choosing to spend most of their time buried in leaf and ground litter or buried in the ground. This behavior leads to a very small percentage of snake bites each year coming from coral snakes.

Coral snakes have small non-retractable fangs. This means that they tend to hold onto their victim once they bite it to ensure that the venom is released into the victim. Due to the small fangs, bites are often ineffective against humans because they have trouble getting through shoes or thick clothes. Despite their less-than-manly fangs, coral snake venom is an extremely dangerous neurotoxin (poison that acts on nerve cells) that has every ability to take down a human.

We have chosen to feature the coral snake on our Snake of the Day to showcase the many faces of Larry Harris’ general manager costume. 2005 Season: In what would become the event that would spark this segment, Harris promised a player on the team who was beloved by Milwaukee citizens whether they were basketball fans or not, Desmond Mason, that there was no way he was going to be traded. Absolutely none. The next week Larry Harris proceeded to trade him to the Hornets for the lumbering oaf Jamaal Magloire and money. Through the media, Mason unleashed his artistic tongue on Harris, calling him “…the slipperiest snake in the grass I’ve ever seen.” So do not be fooled by Larry Harris into thinking that he is the harmless Scarlet Kingsnake that he appears to be, for he is actually a deadly venomous coral snake. But, while the venom is deadly, the fangs that deliver it are weak. Here’s to you Desmond Mason.