Is a baby snake just as poisonous as an adult snake?

Answer 1

The answer to this commonly asked question is NO. Now don't mistake this answer as saying they are not dangerous, because they most certainly are. Baby rattlesnakes are born with venom and fangs in-tact, and can deliver a life threatening bite. Now were this idea probably comes from, is because baby rattlesnakes are more likely to bite than most adult rattlesnakes. This is due to the fact that they are small and therefore more vunerable to falling prey to a larger animal. Also, as babies, they are more likely to deliver a full dose of venom, whereas an older rattlesnake may only deliver a small portion, or even no venom at all (refered to as a dry bite) for defensive purposes.

In escence, there is a higher probability of receiving a bad bite from a baby vs. an adult. You can figure that 99% of bites from babies will result in envenomation compared to maybe 85% of adult bites.

However, a bite from an adult rattlesnake can be far more dangerous having a much greater venom yield than a baby, easily 10 times as much or more.

Of course, there are many variables to consider including venom toxicity, venom yield, temperments, and locations as to the danger of various rattlesnakes. But ALL rattlesnake bites are to be considered a life threatening medical emergency. Don't wait to see if maybe you got lucky and received a dry bite. Seek medical attention immediately with any rattlesnake bite as the sooner you begin treatment, the better your chances of surviving and minimizing long term complications.

Answer 2

The venom of a baby rattlesnake is the same as a full grown rattlesnake. the reason it seems more "toxic" is because they cant control the amount of venom they pump out, the way an adult snake can

actually all rattlesnakes have hemotoxin and neurotoxin included in their venim. Baby rattlesnakes, however, contains mostly neurotixin, and little hemotin. It's the neurotoxin that can be fatal. Hemotoxin is used to break down tissue, and aids in the digestive process.

(Yes) The baby rattler has been equipped with a higher dose of venom because of its size for survival, however because its small, the delivery will be limited. A snake bite can be serious nevertheless, so always consider a bite dangerous and seek medical care if you are not absolutely certain of the species

The type of venom does not change as a snake matures. It differs only in species, like a Crotalus atrox from a Crotalus scutulatus.

Answer 3

no i think it's just the same but for sure adults inject much more venom.

ummm NO That's not true!! Baby rattle snake are not more venomous because they are both rattlers, How ever the adult has learned to control its venom and believe it or not these snakes are a good judge of size and inject there venom pretty well based on that, but when it comes down to it I would rather be bit by an adult because the baby rattlers have NOT yet learned to control there venom and inject up to 3 times the amount that an adult would so This in turn makes the smaller baby snake much more dangerous..

by Tawni R.

Answer 4

The venom itself isn't more potent, it's just that adults conserve their venom and are more likely to give a non-venomous warning bite. Babies on the other hand don't have that control/experience and will let loose with the full dose.

Answer 5

No, this may seem so, because of there lack to control the amount of venom they inject into prey or enemy. Adult snakes have complete control over there venom glands and can deliver massive amounts of venom to as little as none ,which is known as a dry bite.

Answer 6

The venom of the adult and newborn is the same. However, young rattlers do not know yet how to control the amount of venom injected so usually will inject their entire supply. Many times the adults will give a dry bite as a warning and inject no venom. They do not like to waste venom as it is needed for them to obtain food.

Answer 7

The venom is a consistent strength. The volume on a baby will be much less and therefore less dangerous. However, the snake has some ability to control how much is delivered, and a baby may not have learned how that works yet.

Answer 8

no but baby rattlesnakes can not control how much poison they inject so they are more dangerous. Who knows it could put all of the poison it has in you. I hope i helped.

Answer 9

yes as long if it is the same species of snake

and a baby snake is more poisonous than the adult one

Answer 10

No, this is a myth.