Snakes are found across much of the United States, though the number and variety change dramatically from one region to another. Warm southern states and the arid landscapes of the Southwest support far more species than colder northern areas, while Alaska has no native snake populations at all because its climate is too harsh for reptiles to survive. Hawaii is also an exception, with no native land snakes despite its tropical setting. That leaves the remaining states with a remarkable mix of harmless and venomous species, raising a question that often sparks debate: which state has the greatest concentration of venomous snakes? The answer depends on what is being measured. Looking at every snake species produces one result, while counting only venomous species points somewhere else entirely. Understanding that distinction helps explain why two neighbouring states are usually at the centre of the discussion.
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