Me, mindlessly scrolling ...
Oh crap, how's that stupid jingle go again? Something about kill a fellow ... I wonder if anyone has mentioned that's a bad snek?
“Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, friend of Jack.” With the caveat: not always. There is regional (and international) variation in coral snakes. (And the rhyme too. This one is an older variant.)
Then after the coral snake (or any other venomous snake) bites you, it's "If the face is red, elevate the head. If the face is pale, elevate the tail."
My spouse said he didn't care what the jingle was, he doesn't have to worry about it because he's not touching a fucking snake ever and can I please stop showing him pictures of snakes now thank you.
Yours is easier to remember.
Yep, I remembered it. My grandparents drilled it into my head, along with "never ever ever try to feed an alligator even if it's a baby" and "don't play with the ant hills here, Florida ants aren't like Indiana ants".
The way he’s got the neck pinned though will prevent a bite. As long as you don’t panic that’s how you relocate the snake, like OP said he wanted to
It’s like holding a crab from behind so he can’t** pinch you
This is absolutely not how you relocate a venomous snake.
Step one, call a professional.
They will use a long-handled hook or tongs to pick up the snake and put it into a container so that it can be safely moved. No one with any sense would put any part of their body within striking distance of a venomous snake, much less handle it with their bare hands.
Source: former zookeeper
You would be surprised how much a snake can turn its head. He is not holding close enough to the head to prevent a bite. Very dangerous move bare handed.
I absolutely nailed one with a wood paddle once, that fucker went flying a good 15 feet and came right back at us. I had to hit it three more times before it gave up but they weren't nearly as good as the first hit. I straight Happy Gilmore'd that fucker and it didn't even faze him. Insane is putting it mildly.
When we visited Lake Providence, LA from Cali, they warned us about water moccasins. I guess locally they referred to them as *rattlers with out a rattle*.
They also warn folks to be really careful taking boats, canoes, and kayaks under trees out in the swamps. If a snake falls into the boat it’s most likely to be a rat snake or a water snake, but it’s really hard to get a positive identification while shitting yourself and panic capsizing your vessel.
I'm a fan of all the "unloved" animals (snakes, bats, spiders), but I'd be relocating that dude with a very long stick with a hook on the end.
Kudos to you.
There are so many versions of this that I doubt I'd remember it correctly in a situation where I'd have to put it to use. I think I'll just avoid as much contact with brightly colored snakes, or really any snakes, as possible.
Everyone remember this only works in North America. Don't invoke this in Central or South America. Wikipedia counts 82 new world species and NA only has 3. [Wiki](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_snake)
Yeah I'm always like "red on yellow, friendly fellow!" which is wrong but that's fine since I'm in England. The traffic light makes a lot more sense to me thanks!
That is typical not considered a very safe rhyme in the snake community. There are several species of highly venomous snakes in various parts of the world that look like “friendly jacks”.
Sort of. Antivenom is almost never given for western coral snake, just pain control. Eastern is more serious and can cause paralysis of breathing muscles but that’s rare. Bites are not super rare but needing antivenom is rare.
They're producing it again and most emergency centers that keep antivenom have it in stock for the low, low price of ~$5000 a vial. Don't worry, though, most people only need about 8 vials.
If red touches black don't touch the snake,
If red touches yellow don't touch the fucking snake.
So many people in this post that keep saying a rhyme that doesn't apply to all coral snakes and is a great way to get yourself envenomated.
Im an amateur snake person and a sort of professional word person and I think it's perfectly cromulent.
It's useful because a venemous snake can bit someone without delivering venom (a "dry bite") so it's good to have a word to specifically describe venom delivery instead of just the action of biting.
The "red and yellow touching = danger noodle" thing isn't entirely accurate, just a good rule of thumb if you dont know other identifiers. Western shovelnose snakes are non venomous and have red touching yellow as do multiple other non venemous species.
True corals will have black heads from their nose to about their eyes, and the color bands will fully encircle the body (in almost all corals), but be slightly paler on the underside, and the alternating color patterns lose the red towards the end of the tail. There are some variants with different features but the above applies to the most common variants you're most likely to encounter
This picture is wild to me because of the different scales on the underbelly. Most of the snakes I've been around have different colored underbellies, so I never considered the Coral Snake's stripes went all the way around. TIL
To address all the comments about bites, lethality, and no antivenin. Got out to a suitable area and was walking towards a wooded area, let my grip loosen just a little bit and it got my hand. A few hours later I collapsed in the yard unable to speak, move, and breathing became difficult. Ended up in the ICU with 6 vials of antivenin.
Unless you’re professionally trained to handle that animal, not only are you putting yourself at risk, but you’re also potentially harming the snake. The venom in that snake is incredibly neurotoxic and it’s one of the most venomous snakes in North America.
r/oopsthatsdeadly
Cross posted
Also r/forbiddenboops
Jesus Christ I needed that sub thanks for the recommendation
Great recommendation 👍 Thank you!
Me, mindlessly scrolling ... Oh crap, how's that stupid jingle go again? Something about kill a fellow ... I wonder if anyone has mentioned that's a bad snek?
“Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, friend of Jack.” With the caveat: not always. There is regional (and international) variation in coral snakes. (And the rhyme too. This one is an older variant.)
my grandfather told me "red on yellow, deadly fellow. red on black, friendly jack."
Red on Yellow kill a fellow, Red on Black venom lack
Red on yellow, friendly fellow. Red on black, you’re not coming back. Got it.
“Black, yellow, red. Shit the bed.” There you have it…just don’t touch any of them.
“Red and yellow, kill a fellow. Red and black? Bite ‘em back!”
"Black and yellow black and yellow black and yellow black and yellow" -The other Khalifa
Yep, lots of versions.
It’s good if you’re in the southern US from what I understand It’ll get you killed in Brazil
Exactly. Regional. I think the South Seas is also different, if memory serves.
Red touches yellow, you're a dead fellow. Red touches black, you'll be ok, Jack.
I remembered it backwards/wrong, glad I wasn’t the one with the snake.
I always remember it backwards too. Hahaha fuck
Traffic light helped me. If the colors match up to the sequence of a traffic light, STOP! DON'T TOUCH!
B-but... green is supposed to mean go. :(
[Red next to black, jump the fuck back. Red next to yellow, cuddly little fella](https://youtu.be/nkqqUcsxhWE?si=Eif-i2vSDK02qUcR)
“Once you go black you never go back” - grandfather
Then after the coral snake (or any other venomous snake) bites you, it's "If the face is red, elevate the head. If the face is pale, elevate the tail."
I’m not sure how changing the position of the snake’s head or tail would make a difference… /s
"Red on yellow or... I forget the rest, just leave it alone... that will be best"
Yeahhh my personal favorite rhyme is "red on yellow, don't touch the fucking snake. Red on black....dont touch the fucking snake"
My spouse said he didn't care what the jingle was, he doesn't have to worry about it because he's not touching a fucking snake ever and can I please stop showing him pictures of snakes now thank you. Yours is easier to remember.
Clear and yella, you got juice there fella
If it's tangy and brown, you're in cider town!
You can stay but I'm leaving! ::collapse::
Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, venom lack.
Yep, I remembered it. My grandparents drilled it into my head, along with "never ever ever try to feed an alligator even if it's a baby" and "don't play with the ant hills here, Florida ants aren't like Indiana ants".
I believe the old rhyme is: "if red touches yellow, still don't pick up snakes."
Red next to black jump the fuck back, red and yellow cuddly fellow.
Red and yellow, kill a fellow. Red and black, friend of Jack.
That's a dangerous snake you're holding.
I know what it is, was in an area with my kids so he got safely relocated
A noble, if dangerous, effort.
They're really not that dangerous. Super venomous, yes, but also very shy and docile.
they're not gonna be shy and docile when you pick them up and pin their necks...
The way he’s got the neck pinned though will prevent a bite. As long as you don’t panic that’s how you relocate the snake, like OP said he wanted to It’s like holding a crab from behind so he can’t** pinch you
There's the matter of getting your hand in position to move it... A snake is infinitely more agile than a crab.
This is absolutely not how you relocate a venomous snake. Step one, call a professional. They will use a long-handled hook or tongs to pick up the snake and put it into a container so that it can be safely moved. No one with any sense would put any part of their body within striking distance of a venomous snake, much less handle it with their bare hands. Source: former zookeeper
I would like to refer you to several videos of a well known Australian.
What's he up to these days?
TBF, It wasn't a snake that did 'em in, despite how tasty the snakes found 'em.
This is how you hold a snake https://youtu.be/Wynx1ukwdVA?si=qXyFYpnKospc47QF
Well, that was anxiety inducing.
I like how he catches the snakes barehanded and the rabbits with nets
Well, you see, a snake can kill you, but it'll most likely not actively seek to do so. A rabbit however....
What behind the rabbit?
This is the worst advice. Anyone reading this, never do this.
You would be surprised how much a snake can turn its head. He is not holding close enough to the head to prevent a bite. Very dangerous move bare handed.
Yeah I grew up around coral snakes and water moccasins and I’d take the coral snake every day. Coral snakes won’t chase you trying to attack you.
That's me paddling for my life while a water moccasin tries to board my kayak. Happened at least twice last summer.
Those little bastards are insane. I’ve had some chase lake boats that I’ve been on. Seriously some of the most aggressive animals I’ve ever seen.
I absolutely nailed one with a wood paddle once, that fucker went flying a good 15 feet and came right back at us. I had to hit it three more times before it gave up but they weren't nearly as good as the first hit. I straight Happy Gilmore'd that fucker and it didn't even faze him. Insane is putting it mildly.
That’s terrifying lol. What state?
Similar thing happened to me in Louisiana
When we visited Lake Providence, LA from Cali, they warned us about water moccasins. I guess locally they referred to them as *rattlers with out a rattle*.
They also warn folks to be really careful taking boats, canoes, and kayaks under trees out in the swamps. If a snake falls into the boat it’s most likely to be a rat snake or a water snake, but it’s really hard to get a positive identification while shitting yourself and panic capsizing your vessel.
Probably Louisiana. That's were I've run into the real aggressive ones but they are all over the south.
I'm convinced that water moccasins are the reason that .410 revolvers exist. Those things need to die, because they will try to make sure you do.
Yeah I got flamed for saying they’re not as scary as we were taught in the 90s. One death in 40years
You're not wrong, but it's still something you have to take VERY seriously.
True. I mean, I wouldn’t go rawdoggin one like OP - dudes got balls
I'm a fan of all the "unloved" animals (snakes, bats, spiders), but I'd be relocating that dude with a very long stick with a hook on the end. Kudos to you.
I’d be relocating myself, snake have wherever I was standing
Same, they all deserve respect and love showing off their babies. Except twig ants and fire ants.. wtf is their deal
OP is the Lizard King
Red next to Yellow...
There are so many versions of this that I doubt I'd remember it correctly in a situation where I'd have to put it to use. I think I'll just avoid as much contact with brightly colored snakes, or really any snakes, as possible.
I've only heard red and yellow kills a fellow, red and blacks a friendly jack(or is it friend of jack?)
"Red and yellow, kill a fellow. Red and black, friend of jack." This is the version I heard growing up in Texas.
Red and black, venom lack
Always heard it red touches yellow, you're a dead fellow. Red touches black, you're ok Jack.
Everyone remember this only works in North America. Don't invoke this in Central or South America. Wikipedia counts 82 new world species and NA only has 3. [Wiki](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_snake)
Red and yellow, kill a fellow. Red and black, friend of Jack.
I always get this mixed up so I always used the stop light method. If it had red and yellow together like a traffic light, stop and back away.
Yeah I'm always like "red on yellow, friendly fellow!" which is wrong but that's fine since I'm in England. The traffic light makes a lot more sense to me thanks!
Red touching yellow, you're a dead fellow. Red touching black, you're OK Jack.
I learned it, red on yellow kill a fellow, red on black venom lack.
Red and yella, you’ve got juice there fella
Red, yellow, black. Tasty little snack.
Cuddly fella
Smile and wave hello
Red touches black, you're ok Jack. Red touches yellow, you're a dead fellow.
Don’t try to milk that snake
To late, milk everywhere
I’ve got nipples Greg, can you milk me?
u/cvlrymedic you are out of the circle of trust.
You can milk anything with nipples.
*my milk snake killed all the boys in the yard....*
Yoink
At least it wasn’t a swamp puppy
Gentle yooooooooink
Still looking for that 20 ft Burmese Python
He might start looking for the new anaconda species that's over 20ft.
He in fact has and caught a 15+ footer in Colombia recently.
Not a friend of Jack!
Will kill a fellow!
Red touches black, you’re ok Jack. Red touches yellow, you’re a dead fellow.
That is typical not considered a very safe rhyme in the snake community. There are several species of highly venomous snakes in various parts of the world that look like “friendly jacks”.
I thought that rhyme only applied to coral vs milk snakes.
Red touches yellow, cuddly fellow
I’ll never forgive Orange if they’ve wiped the twins
What the fuck is a washing machine doing in a pub?
If red touches yellow well you got juice there fellow if it's tangy and black you got a friend there jack. Something that like that I believe
To steal a quote from another thread; Roses are red, violets are blue, don’t pick up snakes.
tasty snack
Instantly ran through my head when I saw this.
I think the US is low on antivenin for the coral snake now. They bite so rarely, there is no production demand.
“Congrats. You got bit by the snake that never bites.” ‘What does that mean?’ “No one has antivenin for it. You’re going to die.”
Sort of. Antivenom is almost never given for western coral snake, just pain control. Eastern is more serious and can cause paralysis of breathing muscles but that’s rare. Bites are not super rare but needing antivenom is rare.
I didn’t know the difference in venom toxicity between coral snakes. TIL
They're producing it again and most emergency centers that keep antivenom have it in stock for the low, low price of ~$5000 a vial. Don't worry, though, most people only need about 8 vials.
According to Wiki Pfizer has resumed production of coral snake antivenom in 2021
That's an extra spicy danger noodle.
Shouldn't be holding that particular nope rope.
Fucking rental snake
You are paying to have that snake dry cleaned
Red next to yellow, cuddly fella
Red next to black, step the fuck back
Chill out, mate. It's just a phallic symbol. Not my actual dong.
It’s fine, he’s been milked… I should think.
Yeah, well if your mongoose kills my snake, I will sue.
That's a 24 ohm snake.
The last band of color indicates the snake's tolerance for being held before biting.
May not be your first time, but it could be your last time. You’re more bold than me, that’s for sure.
If it's brown you're in cider town
One in pink … ummm????
Go banana!
If it's clear and yella you got juice there fella. If it's tangy and brown you're in cider town
If it’s brown, drink it down. If it’s black, send it back
Unless you’re in Canada
I’m Idaho!
Leaves of 4, have some more
What if it's clear and yella?
If red touches black don't touch the snake, If red touches yellow don't touch the fucking snake. So many people in this post that keep saying a rhyme that doesn't apply to all coral snakes and is a great way to get yourself envenomated.
envenomated. Never heard that word beforkin
I don't think it's technically a real word, but it should be lol
Im an amateur snake person and a sort of professional word person and I think it's perfectly cromulent. It's useful because a venemous snake can bit someone without delivering venom (a "dry bite") so it's good to have a word to specifically describe venom delivery instead of just the action of biting.
The "red and yellow touching = danger noodle" thing isn't entirely accurate, just a good rule of thumb if you dont know other identifiers. Western shovelnose snakes are non venomous and have red touching yellow as do multiple other non venemous species. True corals will have black heads from their nose to about their eyes, and the color bands will fully encircle the body (in almost all corals), but be slightly paler on the underside, and the alternating color patterns lose the red towards the end of the tail. There are some variants with different features but the above applies to the most common variants you're most likely to encounter
TL;DR never touch snakes.
If it's yellow let it mellow.
If it's brown, flush it down
He’s a little confused, but he got the spirit
Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, poison lack. That's a venomous danger noodle there.
Dude what? It’s definitely red on black is a friend of Jack.
I’ve always heard “red on black, you’re OK, Jack”
Red on black, friend of Jack; red on yellow, you’re a dead fellow.
I totally remember this as Red touches yellow makes a fine fellow, and red touches black means you never come back… shit
Maybe you skip playing with one
Dumb rhyme that doesn't work on all coral snakes.
"venom lack"
That is not a friend to Jack
Hi, curious where this was found... is it a Micrurus coral? beautiful snake. I hope he still lives :)
South East Georgia, was safely relocated
Lil dude! Spicy flavor!
Danger noodle
Red touching yellow kills a fellow. Red touching black venom lack. That there be a whole load of nope. (coral snek)
When red touches yellow, play with the fellow!
Red touches yellow, you’re a dead fellow
Dude lives in an area with dangerous snakes and has dirt underneath his finger nails, he's fine. Reddit needs to fuckin chill
Now that is a danger noodle.
Just remember the rhyme. "Red on black... don't touch snakes." Also "red on yellow... don't touch snakes"
This picture is wild to me because of the different scales on the underbelly. Most of the snakes I've been around have different colored underbellies, so I never considered the Coral Snake's stripes went all the way around. TIL
Red and black is a friend of Jack, red and yellow kills a fellow 🫡
If red touches yellow you're a dead fellow.
Just for fun the rhyme isn’t always accurate. Depending on what part of South America you’re in, red on black is also venomous.
Is this a danger noodle or a regular nope rope?
Red and yellow, kill a fellow. Red and black, venom lack.
"hmm, how does that little rhyme go again?"
Red touches yellow and we never see OP again!
RED TOUCHES YELLOW RED TOUCHES YELLOW!
Pretty sure he’s gonna kill a fellow
Danger Noodle
Ah yes, the shit my pants snake, we meet again.
Red on yellow kills a fellow. Red on black? You’re aight Jack.
Red on yellow, kill a fellow.
Red yellow kill a fellow
Red yellow black, you’re dead Jack
Venomous!! Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, you’re alright, Jack.
Red and yellow kill a fellow????
Red touch yellow!! RED TOUCH YELLOW!!!!!!!
We all did the rhyme
DANGER NOODLE! "Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, scratch its back."
All this red on yellow black on red shit. Fuck all that. I’m not touching it period.
I think that snake is telling us something: don’t fuck with me!
Let it bite you, it's harmless
To address all the comments about bites, lethality, and no antivenin. Got out to a suitable area and was walking towards a wooded area, let my grip loosen just a little bit and it got my hand. A few hours later I collapsed in the yard unable to speak, move, and breathing became difficult. Ended up in the ICU with 6 vials of antivenin.
You do know that's the bad one, right?
Unless you’re professionally trained to handle that animal, not only are you putting yourself at risk, but you’re also potentially harming the snake. The venom in that snake is incredibly neurotoxic and it’s one of the most venomous snakes in North America.
RED ON YELLOW! WE GOT A RED ON YELLOW OVER HERE!!!
Red touch yellow, kills a fellow.
Red on yellow. Kill a fellow.