How far can a snake strike?

Take this snake for instance.  It is not coiled.
If it wanted to, how far could this snake strike?

Picture of How far can a snake strike?
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orksecurity6 years ago
I would assume the snake can reach its full length from wherever its tail is currently located. I don't think they're likely to jump much farther, and I wouldn't assume anyplace closer is safe.

Then again, if you're dealing with a poisonous snake, or a possibly poisonous one (this looks like a rattler to me) the right answer is "if you don't already know how to deal with it safely, you have no business mucking with it." If it's somewhere it shouldn't be, call your local animal control or wildlife agency for assistance. If it's somewhere it *should* be, leave it alone and it'll leave you alone.
jclark434 years ago
The snake in it's current position can not strike until he forms a coil shape & the head is raised.
onrust (author)  jclark434 years ago
I would almost change this to best answer.....BUT, I have no frame of reference here. Thank you for your input and will remember it.
jbommer4 years ago
Ladies and gentlemen, a snake can strike between 1/3 and 2/3rds its body length. A 3 foot snake at most can strike 2 feet.
some snakes (i forget which exactly) are able to strike their entire body length
Koosie6 years ago
Grab a long stick and give it a shove.  Probably the best way to find out. 

But remember, not all snakes sit and wait to strike.  We've had a few Cobra's here that chase after you!

knuckel Koosie6 years ago
Burf6 years ago
Hearkening back to my old Boy Scout days, a general rule of thumb is a venomous snake can strike about 2/3 of its body length.
My personal rule of thumb is 25 feet for any snake, so I always give them at least 26 feet of space.
caarntedd Burf6 years ago
27, just to be sure.
caarntedd6 years ago
Most snakes can only strike about half their body length.