1. The rhyme — red touches yellow, kills a fellow, red touches black, friend of Jack - doesn't work in every case, and that's we do not recommend using it as a reliable way of identifying venomous or dangerous snake species.
2. 'Red and black, friend of Jack; Red and yellow, kills a fellow.' Have you ever heard this rhyme? It was created to remind people how to distinguish a coral snake (Leptomicrucus, Micruroides and Micrurus) from a scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides).
3. This rhyme becomes deadly when the eastern coral snake, which holds true to the rhyme, is compared to the South American coral snake, which has black bands touching red bands. “Red touching black: Safe for Jack” is now a fatal mistake. For more info that will help, read more about Coral Snake Look Alikes.

“Watch your step out there!”

Let us return now to the handy rhyme: “Red against yellow will kill a fellow; red against black, venom lack” or “friend of Jack.” Some anonymous herpetologist suggested a new version. “Roses are red, violets are blue: leave the damn snake alone.”.

That’s the warning from redditor Christian Seehausen, who said he spotted what appeared to be a coral snake in Memorial Park on Monday afternoon.

“This was just a foot or two off the trail, right next to a bench on the Inner Loop trail near the Nature Center. My understanding is that these guys are pretty docile and probably won't bite unless you touch them/scare them, but still, be careful out there, and never mess around with one,' write Seehausen.

While Texas snake sightings are typically more common in the springtime as winter temperatures give way to warmer conditions, they can also frequently be found through fall.

The coral snake is one of those dangerously venomous but typically shy snakes, to which the popular reminder “Red on yellow, kill a fellow - Red on black, friend of Jack” applies.

Coral Snake Red On Black Friend Of Jack Skellington

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, only one species of coral snake is native to Texas: “The coral snake is shy and rarely seen. It has, in order, red, yellow and black colors. The coral snake has a small mouth and is usually not aggressive. Its bites are dangerous, but very rare.”

It should not be confused with the harmless milk snake, which has a similar appearance, but the colors are instead “red on black.”

Snake experts suggest that while the coral snake is deadly, bites are rare and usually due to someone trying to pick up or handle the snake. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish states their fangs are weak. According to National Geographic, no deaths from coral snake bites have been reported in North America since the 1960s.

The big lesson here: Yes, deadly wildlife lives in Houston's parks and bayous. Stay cautious and steer clear, but don’t disturb (and certainly don’t kill) these beautiful creatures.

Having the second most potent venom of any snake, the coral snake is not only beautiful but deadly! These beauties can be found in the southwest, southern, and southeastern United States, as well as Mexico. These venomous snakes would much rather slither away than confront a predator. They will stand their ground though, if given no other option to escape. These critters are highly venomous, but no deaths have been recorded in recent years.

First the Stats…

Coral Snake Red On Black Friend Of Jack Keane

Scientific name: Chordata
Weight: Up to 8 – 16 ounces
Length: Up to 24 inches
Lifespan: Up to 7 years

Now on to the Facts!

1.) These snakes are primarily nocturnal (active at night) but can also be crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).

2.) Coral snakes brumate (hibernation for reptiles) during fall and winter.

3.) They prey on amphibians and reptiles primarily.

Coral Snake Red On Black Friend Of Jack Reacher

4.) Their predators are typically nocturnal animals like owls, badgers, and raccoons.

5.) Their heads and tails are typically black. This helps to cause confusion for predators. As they aren’t sure which is the business end.

But wait, there’s more on the coral snake!

6.) The coral snake’s venom is a highly potent neurotoxin.

7.) Production of antivenom has been stopped since 2010! So, basically, don’t get bitten. Leave them alone and they’ll leave you alone.

Did you know…?
When threatened, coral snakes will sometimes make a popping sound by pushing air from their cloaca (a single opening for the urinary, reproductive and intestinal tract) to startle the attacker. Yep, these snakes fart when threatened.

8.) One, not so accurate method of telling if you’ve encountered a coral snake is the saying “red touches black, friend of Jack. Red touches yellow, kill a fellow.” Again… not the best way to tell if a snake is venomous. The best approach is not to approach. Appreciate it from a far. Take a picture or two and leave it alone.

9.) One myth states that they are rear fang venomous and have to bite and gnaw on you till they work the bite to the back of their mouth, where the fangs are. Not true.

10.) Another myth is that they have to bite you on the webbing of your fingers in order to inject venom. Also not true. They can get you on the finger or hand, just as well and then you’ll wish you hadn’t messed with them.

Coral Snake Red On Black Friend Of Jack

Now a Short Coral Snake Video!

Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here!

Coral Snake Red On Black Friend Of Jackie Kennedy

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