<P> This is a list of people who received a fatal snake bite in the United States by decade in reverse chronological order . </P> <P> The United States has about 20 species of venomous snakes, which include 16 species of rattlesnakes, two species of coral snakes, one species of cottonmouth (or water moccasin), and one species of copperhead . At least one type of venomous snake is found in every state except Alaska and Hawaii . </P> <P> It has been estimated that 7,000--8,000 people per year receive venomous bites in the United States, and about five of those people die . Most fatal bites are attributed to the eastern and western diamondback rattlesnake . Copperheads account for more cases of venomous snake bite than any other North American species; however, their venom is the least toxic, so their bite is seldom fatal . </P> <P> Venomous snakes are distributed unevenly throughout the United States--the vast majority of snake bites occur in warm weather states . States like Florida and Texas have a wide variety and large population of venomous snakes . Bites from venomous snakes are extremely rare in the states near the Canada--US border . Maine, for example, has only one species (timber rattlesnake); they are rarely seen, and then only in the southern part of the state, but the species is likely extinct in Maine, with the last sighting in 1901 . </P>

What is the most dangerous snake in the united states