All of Missouri's venomous snakes are pit vipers, which means they have an opening on each side of the head, called a sensory pit . A pair of hollow fangs are located on the front of the upper jaw. In daylight these snakes have eyes with vertical pupilslike a catwhile all harmless snakes have round pupils. This characteristic is not reliable for identification at night. Few people in Missouri suffer venomous snakebites, despite the fact that there are five venomous species and at least one of themthe copperheadis commonly encountered.
Most bites occur when persons are trying to kill or handle the snakes.
About 8,000 persons are bitten by venomous snakes each year in the United States. Perhaps a dozen die, which amounts to a fraction of one percent. By comparison, about 120 people die annually from bee stings and 150 die when struck by lightning. Wear protective footwear in areas where there are likely to be snakes. Step on them first, then over.