5 Black and Yellow Snake Species to Look Out For

This color-coordinated mangrove is venomous, but other snakes with similar coloring don't pose any threat to humans. Peter Dazeley / Getty Images

The black and yellow snake is vibrant and eye-catching, and it's not just for show. In the animal kingdom, bright colors often serve as warnings to potential predators.

But not all black and yellow snakes are venomous; some just like to look the part. That said, you'll also want to know which yellow and black snakes with red bands to avoid (looking at you, coral snakes).

Pro tip: You can often identify venomous snakes by their noggins. A triangular-shaped head with a distinct neck (like a spade) typically signifies a venomous snake.

1. Garter Snake

You can find garter snakes all across North America, often in suburban backyards or along creeks and ponds. They usually sport two yellow stripes down their dark bodies, making them easy to identify.

These nonvenomous snakes are great at pest control, feeding on small animals like amphibians, insects and earthworms.

2. Mangrove Snake

Also known as a gold-ringed cat snake, this black and yellow beauty isn't typically life-threatening to humans (though it can still hurt you). The mangrove snake is mildly venomous and uses its toxins to subdue prey like small birds and mammals. Living in the trees of Southeast Asia, it's a skilled climber and hunter.

3. Cat-eyed Snake

The cat-eyed snake is a nocturnal predator that uses its large, cat-like eyes to hunt prey under the cover of darkness. The juveniles are a more distinct black and yellow, whereas the mature cat-eyed snakes have more muted dark brown coloration.

Found in Central and South America, it it may look fierce, but this snake is only mildly venomous and poses no significant threat to humans. It prefers to prey on small amphibians and other cold-blooded creatures, taking advantage of its keen night vision.

4. Black Rat Snake

OK, to be fair, this one may be a little more "black and cream" than "black and yellow." These snakes typically have a sleek black body, but some species show faint yellow markings.

While neither bright yellow nor venomous, this black snake is a formidable predator in its own right. Excellent at controlling rodent populations, rat snakes often live in barns and fields, where they make themselves at home hunting prey like mice and birds.

5. Pit Viper

The pit viper family includes some of the most dangerous snakes in the world, though not all of them sport black and yellow coloration.

Pit vipers have heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils, helping them detect warm-blooded prey even in total darkness. With highly venomous bites, these snakes are serious hunters in the wild.

3 Snakes That Are Black, Yellow and Red

1. Coral Snake

Coral snakes are venomous with a distinctive color pattern of yellow, red and black bands. With a bite full of powerful neurotoxic venom, it hunts and ambushes prey. The Texas coral snake is one species you want to steer clear of, especially if you're wandering through its range in the southern U.S.

2. Milk Snake

The milk snake has red, black and white or yellow bands, and just like the scarlet king snake, it's nonvenomous. It got its name from the myth that it drank milk from cows.

These colorful snakes hunt small rodents and can keep pest populations in check. The harmless milk snake is a perfect example of how some species evolve to look dangerous without posing any threat.

3. Scarlet King Snake

A scarlet king is a nonvenomous snake that resembles the coral snake with similar red, black and yellow bands. Even though it's harmless, predators stay away thanks to its clever costume. This snake uses its pattern to keep safe as it hunts prey like small lizards and frogs.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.