8 Key Differences Between Milk Snakes And Coral Snakes

Knowing the difference between a milk snake and a coral snake is significant, especially if you want to get any as a pet snake. Understanding the difference and distinguishing one snake type from the other can help you decide which pet snake to keep. People confuse these two snakes with each other a lot. Yes, the snakes have similar appearances, but several ways to separate one snake breed from the other.

What’s the difference between a Milk snake and a Coral snake?

One of the significant differences is that the milk snake is not venomous while the coral snake is venomous. Coral snakes have yellow rings on every side of their red bands, but milk snakes have black rings on every side of their red bands. Also, milk snakes tend to be smaller than coral snakes.

Confusing one of these snakes for the other might be very dangerous, especially if you are looking for a pet snake. This is because one is poisonous while the other is not. So, extreme care and caution are needed when handling the venomous coral snake, unlike milk snakes, which are easier to handle.

When you visit a pet store, you need basic knowledge of snake species, so you’re better at deciding what to take home. To better understand the differences between these two types of snakes and how you can confidently differentiate one from the other, let us look at the unique traits in detail.

Milk Snake Vs Coral Snake: What’s The Difference?

Knowing how to tell these two types of snakes apart will significantly help you when you want to handle them. That way, you will take the necessary precautions and follow the correct guidelines when handling a specific breed of snakes.

The differences also help you tell and provide the best care and need for your snakes, especially if you are looking to adopt one. It helps you better meet and give the proper requirements for your pet snake and thus take better care of them.

Despite the differences, both milk snakes and coral snakes are good breeds that you can keep as pet snakes. They don’t require complicated husbandry, and even beginners can take care of the snakes. So, if you are looking to start keeping snake pets, these species are a good place to start.

The ability to distinguish the two breeds also comes in handy when doing outdoor activities such as hiking. You will be able to avoid snakebite and keep your family and friends safe from venomous snakes.

Let’s dive into the five leading ways that a coral snake differs from a milk snake.

Color

The color pattern of a milk snake can vary depending on the subspecies, but they are typically banded with black, red, and white. The bands may be clearly defined or somewhat blurry, and the overall effect is quite striking. Coral snakes, on the other hand, have very different color patterns. 

They are banded with black, yellow, and red, and the bands are always clearly defined. The overall effect is much more subdued than that of a milk snake.

One way to remember the difference between these two snakes is to think of the rhyme “red touch black, safe for Jack; red touch yellow, kill a fellow.” This refers to the fact that coral snakes in North America are always red touching yellow, while milk snakes are typically red touching black. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid handling either type of snake.

Venom

Both Coral and Milk snakes can deliver a painful and potentially deadly bite, but there are some important differences between their venoms.

The milk snake’s venom is less toxic than the coral snake’s, and it is also not as easily absorbed into the bloodstream. This means that milk snake bites are generally less dangerous than coral snake bites. 

However, milk snakes are more likely to bite humans because they are more aggressive than coral snakes.

Coral snakes have much more potent venom, which is why their bites are usually more serious. The venom of a coral snake can cause paralysis and even death in humans if it is not treated immediately.

Coral snakes have two main methods of attack: striking and constricting. When they strike, they use their long fangs to inject venom into their prey. This venom is very powerful and can kill its prey within minutes.

If a coral snake misses its target when it strikes, it will often try to wrap its body around its prey and constrict it. This prevents the animal from escaping and allows the snake to suffocate it slowly.

Coral snakes will also use their venom to defend themselves from predators. If a predator tries to eat a coral snake, the venom can kill them or make them very sick. This is why it is important for humans to be careful when handling these snakes.

Milk snakes use their poison to subdue and kill their prey. They have long, sharp fangs that they use to inject their venom into their victims. Venom is a powerful neurotoxin that quickly paralyzes the victim’s muscles, respiratory system, and heart, causing death within minutes.

In addition to using their venom to kill prey, milk snakes also use it as a defense against predators. 

While milk snakes are not considered to be a threat to humans, their bites can be painful and potentially deadly to small animals. If you have a milk snake as a pet, it is important to handle it with care and keep it away from small children or animals that could be harmed by its venom.

If you are ever bitten by either type of snake, it is important to seek medical help right away. Both types of snakes can be found in the United States, so it is important to be aware of the difference between their venoms.

Size

The average size of a milk snake is between 2 and 5 feet long, while the average size of a coral snake is between 2 and 4 feet long. The length of a milk snake can vary depending on the subspecies, with some reaching up to 6 or 7 feet in length. Coral snakes, on the other hand, are relatively uniform in size.

Habitat

There are several key differences in habitat between milk snakes and coral snakes. For starters, milk snakes are found in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and even urban areas. 

Coral snakes, on the other hand, are only found in tropical and subtropical regions. This means that if you’re looking for a coral snake, you’ll likely have to travel to a warmer climate.

Another big difference between these two types of snakes is that milk snakes are typically active during the day, while coral snakes are most active at night. This is likely due to the fact that coral snakes need to avoid the heat of the day in order to stay cool.

Finally, milk snakes will often eat other animals (including other snakes), while coral snakes typically only eat lizards and rodents. 

This difference in diet is likely due to the fact that coral snakes are venomous, while milk snakes are not.

So, if you’re ever trying to identify a snake, be sure to take note of its habitat, activity level, and diet. These three factors can help you determine whether you’re looking at a milk snake or a coral snake. 

Diet

One of the most distinguishing features between milk snakes and coral snakes is their diet. Milk snakes are primarily carnivorous, feeding on small mammals, lizards, and birds.

Coral snakes, on the other hand, are mostly herbivorous, feeding on things like berries and fruits. This difference in diet is likely due to the different habitats these two types of snakes live in. 

Milk snakes are typically found in wooded areas where there is an abundance of small mammals and reptiles to hunt, while coral snakes are often found in more tropical climates where there is a greater variety of fruit and vegetation. 

Snout

Milk snakes have a round snout, while coral snakes have a pointed snout. This is one of the ways to tell these two types of snakes apart. 

Behavior

One of the most noticeable differences between milk snakes and coral snakes is their behavior. Milk snakes are generally docile, while coral snakes tend to be more aggressive

This difference in behavior is likely due to the fact that milk snakes are mostly insectivores, while coral snakes are primarily carnivores.

Milk snakes will typically only strike if they feel threatened, whereas coral snakes are more likely to strike even when they don’t feel threatened. This difference in behavior can be dangerous for humans, as coral snake bites are much more venomous than milk snake bites. 

Care

Milk snakes are often kept as pets due to their docile nature and beautiful colors. If you’re thinking about getting a milk snake, here is what you need to know about how to care for them!

When it comes to housing your milk snake, a standard 10-gallon aquarium is typically sufficient for younger snakes. 

Adult snakes will need a larger enclosure, such as a 20-gallon aquarium. It is important to include a hiding spot in the enclosure, as milk snakes like to have a place to retreat when they feel threatened.

Milk snakes are mostly carnivorous, and their diet consists primarily of rodents. In captivity, milk snakes can be fed pre-killed mice or rats. It is important to offer food that is appropriately sized for the snake; for example, a baby milk snake should not be offered an adult-sized mouse.

Water is also an important part of a milk snake’s diet. A water bowl large enough for the snake to soak in should be provided at all times. Milk snakes will typically drink from their water bowl on a daily basis.

When it comes to temperature, milk snakes prefer a warm environment. The enclosure should be equipped with a basking spot that has a temperature of around 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The rest of the enclosure should have a temperature of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Milk snakes are relatively easy to care for, and with proper husbandry, they can make great pets!

Coral snakes are one of the most beautiful but deadly snakes in the world. If you’re lucky enough to find one, you’ll need to know how to care for it properly.

First and foremost, coral snakes are highly venomous. If you’re not careful, they can easily kill you. So, it’s important to handle them with extreme caution.

When handling a coral snake, always use gloves and avoid getting bitten. If you do get bitten, immediately seek medical attention as the venom can be very dangerous.

Once you have the coral snake under control, you’ll need to provide it with a suitable habitat. Coral snakes prefer warm climates and humid conditions. A glass aquarium with a tight-fitting lid is ideal.

Fill the aquarium with a few inches of sand or soil and add some rocks and hiding places for the snake to feel safe. You can also add some live plants to the enclosure, but be sure they’re non-toxic to snakes.

Coral snakes are carnivores and will eat small mammals, lizards, and other snakes. You can purchase pre-killed prey from a pet store or feed your coral snake live food. If you choose to feed your coral snake live food, make sure you supervise closely to avoid any accidents.

Provide your coral snake with fresh water at all times and clean the enclosure regularly to keep it healthy and happy. With proper care, a coral snake can live for up to 20 years in captivity. 

History and Key Facts

The milk snake is a species of king snake that is native to North America. Milk snakes are non-venomous and typically grow to be around 3-5 feet in length. The name “milk snake” is derived from an old wives’ tale which claimed that these snakes could suck milk from cows.

Milk snakes are often kept as pets due to their docile nature and their wide variety of color morphs (patterns). These snakes can live for up to 20 years in captivity if they are well cared for.

Wild milk snakes are typically found in woodland areas but can also be found in fields, prairies, and even near human habitation. These snakes usually hunt at night, preying on small mammals, lizards, and amphibians.

Milk snakes are not considered to be threatened or endangered at this time, although their populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss.

Coral snakes are some of the most venomous snakes in the world. Their venom is highly toxic and can cause significant health problems, even death, if not treated immediately.

Despite their reputation, coral snakes are actually quite shy and rarely bite humans unless they feel threatened.

There are many different species of coral snakes found all over the world, but they are most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. The majority of coral snake species are red, yellow, and black in coloration, which earned them the nickname “red-bellied black snake” in Australia.

Coral snakes are relatively slender, with most species having a diameter of about 1 inch (2.54 cm).

The venom of a coral snake is primarily neurotoxic, meaning it attacks the nervous system. This can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death if not treated immediately.

Coral snake bites are very rare, however, as these snakes are generally shy and non-aggressive.

There is no specific antivenom for coral snake bites, but treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and supporting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for survival.

Coral snakes are fascinating creatures that have been feared by humans for centuries. Although their venom is highly toxic, they are actually quite shy and rarely bite humans unless they feel threatened. With proper medical treatment, the majority of people bitten by a coral snake will recover fully. 

Similarities Between Milk Snake And Coral Snake

Both the milk snake and coral snake are often confused with each other due to their similar appearance. Both snakes have red, yellow, and black color patterns, but the order of these colors is different for each species. The milk snake has a pattern of red, black, and yellow bands that go in the order of wide-thin-wide, while the coral snake has a pattern of thin-wide-thin bands that goes in the order of yellow-red-black.

They are both nocturnal predators that eat small mammals and reptiles. They are also both proficient swimmers. Coral snakes are more aggressive than milk snakes and will often strike if they feel threatened, while milk snakes will usually try to flee first.

If you see a snake with a red, yellow, and black color pattern, it is important to take a close look at the order of the colors before assuming it is either a milk snake or a coral snake. These two species may look similar, but they have very different behaviors and habitats.