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Sonora Coral Snake — Part 2
The poison apparatus of the Crotaline snakes consists of two long and hollow teeth--fangs--provided with an elongated orifice at their tips for the ejection of venom. These fangs are the exact reproduction, in hard enamel, of the hypodermic needle. It might more appropriately be said, that mankind in manufacturing the hypodermic needle exactly duplicated the poison fangs of these reptiles. The fangs are rigidly fastened to a movable bone of the upper jaw, and each connects with a gland, situated behind the eye, and containing the venom. When the jaws are closed, the fangs fold back against the roof of the mouth. As the jaws are opened, they spring forward, ready for action. The forcible ejection of venom from the fangs is caused by the contraction against the glands, of the muscles which close the jaws. The ejecion of poison is voluntary, and unless the reptile so desires there is no necessity in closing the jaws, to contract these muscles sufficiently to force venom from the glands. The fangs are covered with a sheath of thin and white, membraneous flesh. This is never withdrawn from them except during the act of biting. A figure shows the fangs uncovered as would be the case after being imbedded, during a bite; an accompanying illustration shows the fangs covered with the membrane. Thus they are seen when a poisonous snake is yawning.
The fangs are shed at intervals of about three months apart, and by a neat provision of Nature the new fang grows into place beside the one about to be shed and becomes connected with the poison gland, before the old fang becomes loosened. The writer has examined many specimens possessing two perfectly developed fangs on one side of the jaw. The old fang is shed by being left imbedded in the body of the prey that is bitten by the snake and is consequently swallowed with the prey. So hard is its composition that, although the bones, claws and even the teeth of the engulfed animal are entirely dissolved, the swallowed fang is unaffected by the action of the gastric juices. In a figure showing an osteological preparation, the growth of auxiliary fangs may be seen behind the acting pair. This constant renewing of the fangs explodes the common supposition that a poisonous snake may be rendered harmless by removing its fangs. Though the main pair of fangs be removed the snake is not rendered even temporarily harmless, for poison is discharged in the act of biting from the base of the extracted fangs and the small teeth of the upper jaw, employed normally by the snake in swallowing its prey, would produce lacerations through which the venom would come in contact with the blood.
As previously explained, the fangs themselves are not movable, but are rigidly attached to movable bones. In the act of striking, the jaws are opened to such an extent and the fangs so elevated that their tips point almost directly forward. In striking toward a perpendicular surface the serpent literally stabs with these teeth and instantly draws back to the position of defence. If striking toward a rounded surface or a small object, the jaws close upon it enough to imbed the fangs, but so lightning-like is this motion that the movements of the jaws can barely be followed by the human eye. The mouth is not opened until the head has started forward, and it is during the latter part of the blow that the jaws are thrown open to the extent described.
At most, the snake strikes about one-half its length when delivering an accurately aimed blow, and generally strikes a much shorter distance, in proportion to its length. Not unless goaded into a condition of frenzy does it strike a distance equal to two-thirds of the length, and such blows are wild, and delivered aimlessly. No poisonous snake springs bodily at the object of its anger; such a feat with a serpent is physically impossible. The defensive methods of the numerous North American species will be discussed in the respective descriptions of the species.
In this work, it would be inappropriate to tarry and discuss at length the investigations concerning the composition of snake poison. It is important, however, to consider the best known remedies for snake-bite, and thus suggest what actions should be taken in case of accident.