), which are considered helpful predators of vermin such as rats and mice, from the venomous coral snake, which should only be handled by an experienced biologist or herpetologist.

However, this rhyme is only applicable to the United States species, and cannot be used reliably in the Caribbean, or Central or South America.

[2] The current range of the eastern coral snake is predicted to expand as a result of climate change.

In southern Georgia and Florida, it is found in dry areas with open ground that are bushy but not heavily vegetated.

[2] Harlequin Coralsnakes prefer sandy soils at a relatively fine scale within scrubby habitats.

[11] It is rarer in North and South Carolina, but is more typically found there in the scrub oak forests and pitch pine habitats near the coast, as well as the coastal plain of the southeast.

There has been no recorded incidence of any type of parental care for hatchlings[17] Coral snakes spend most of their time underground (fossoriality) or sheltering under suitable objects, but can be active on the surface during the day in early spring or at other times when rainfall has saturated the ground.

Coral snakes are largely diurnal making night sightings rare[18] Males are most active in the late fall or early spring, when they search for mates, and females are most active in late summer and throughout the fall, when they search for prey that will allow them to build energy reserves for the next season's reproductive effort.

Coral snakes will attempt to escape if discovered, and individuals may engage in complex defensive behavior if prevented from doing so.

The most recent fatality attributed to the eastern coral snake occurred in 2006 (confirmed in 2009 report).

[23] The victim failed to seek proper medical attention and died several hours after being bitten, becoming the first fatality caused by M. fulvius in over 40 years.

This is probably why current standard hospital procedure in the U.S. is to start with antivenin therapy for coral snake bites, even if no symptoms are found yet.

[2] Wyeth discontinued the manufacture of coral snake antivenin in 2010, citing a lack of profitability.

[24] Pfizer has also decided to halt production of its antivenin for similar reasons (see Coral snake antivenom shortage).