Good point. Absolutely only applies to the U.S. It is great for distinguishing the non-venous milk snakes (Lampropelis sp.) from the venomous coral snake (Micrurus sp.) where the colored rings go all the way around the snake. It is not as clear when dealing with scarlet snakes (Cemophora sp.) and the Texas longnose snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) where the color bands on the snake do not go all the way around the body of the snake. I do know of one case where a kid kept his brother from picking up a coral snake because he knew the saying.

Big one for a Coral Snake.

We've killed 12 rattlers this year. most in the yard and porches. The drought has them moving into yards looking for water and a cool place to hangout.

In the '90's, I went to a reptile show in Venezuela. They had a little black snake, about a foot long, with a bright coral red head. They called it a Coral Snake and said it was highly poisonous. I was most impressed with a big Bushmaster they had. It was the most aggressive, hateful snake I have ever seen. Looked like a rattler, but black, and no rattles. I hope we never get them in Texas! IslandJim

had one that looked exactly like this crawl up on my transom on fork a couple yrs. back, also a coral snake.

https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2021/dec/scout3_wildlife/index.phtml

yep thats forsure not one to mess with! maybe the only snake in texas that might kill you....

Do ya'll think it might taste like CHICKEN ??

Yeah the Eastern Corals that live over there are the worst ones... apparently way more venomous and lethal than the ones we have in TX.

That's a good snake! When you kill it!!!!

was it a rubber snake also