What is the difference between poisonous and venomous snakes?

Answer 1

Reptiles have something called 'passive limbisossis'. That means that they develop natural immunity to their own venom an the venom of other snakes of the same species. Some snakes such as the California Kingsnake are even immune to other snake venom's, since venomous snakes are a part of their diet.

Answer 2

The way I understand it is, snakes that have venom are venomous. Things that are poisonous contain a toxin that can make you ill or kill you if you eat them, such as poison mushrooms.

I suppose a snake could be poisonous if you ate it and the toxins in it made you ill or killed you.

there's no difference if I'm wrong someone can edit this

EDIT: The easiest way to remember is - poison is eaten (or ingested) venom is injected. You can eat the flesh of a venomous snake provided you don't eat the venom sacs - Snakester1962 (Supervisor)

Answer 3

Poisonous snakes are harmful if touched or ingested, while venomous snakes inject venom through fangs when they bite to immobilize or kill prey. It's not safe to eat a poisonous snake, while a venomous snake bite can inject venom into a person or animal.

Answer 4

Snakes are venomous because they inject poison into your body. Poisonous refers to something that needs to be touched or consumed.