John Perritano

Nov 1, 2024 | yahoo.com | John Perritano |Mack Hayden

If sharks can have a week of their own, why not jellyfish — especially the hyper-venomous box jellyfish? Most jellyfish are more bothersome than threatening, which is probably why no one would tune into "Jellyfish Week."Also known as sea wasps and marine stingers, box jellyfish belong to the Cubozoa class which includes 50 described species. A box jelly can have up to 15 tentacles with about 5,000 stinging cells, known as cnidocysts that it uses to kill prey.

Oct 17, 2024 | yahoo.com | John Perritano |Talon Homer

The cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), also known as the water moccasin, is identifiable by, and named for, the whiteness of the inside of its mouth. Rex Lisman / Getty ImagesWhen Hurricane Florence blew through North and South Carolina in September 2018, wind, rain, and flooding were not the only threats people faced. A bevy of slithering, sneaky, watch-where-you-step snakes came out of hiding.

Oct 16, 2024 | malaysia.news.yahoo.com | John Perritano |Talon Homer

John Perritano, Talon Homer16 October 2024 at 9:10 amIf you live anywhere in North America, chances are you've seen a garter snake (sometimes referred to as a garden snake) slithering past. For many, such a sight might cause a flinch or scream or; for a curious few, it spurs the need to get closer. If you're in the latter category, be careful. Many garter species can be identified by three light stripes along their back which are yellow or orange in color, along with a sleek black body.

Oct 16, 2024 | yahoo.com | John Perritano |Talon Homer

Garter snakes are typically peaceful creatures, avoiding humans and pets at all costs. James Gerholdt / Getty ImagesIf you live anywhere in North America, chances are you've seen a garter snake (sometimes referred to as a garden snake) slithering past. For many, such a sight might cause a flinch or scream or; for a curious few, it spurs the need to get closer. If you're in the latter category, be careful.

Oct 3, 2024 | yahoo.com | John Perritano |Zach Taras

The copperhead (Agkistron contortrix) is considered venomous, though its bite is rarely fatal. McDonald Wildlife Photography In / Getty ImagesAll Judy Reed wanted to do was wash some clothes. On June 18, 2019, the Pennsylvania woman descended the basement stairs of her house at around 8 a.m. to do the laundry. Suddenly, a copperhead snake, which had been curled up on a shelf near the washing machine, bit her. Copperheads, like rattlesnakes, are venomous, although their toxins rarely kill humans.