Why is *Crotalus molossus* correctly termed venomous?

It injects toxins through a bite utilizing specialized fangs

The distinction between venomous and poisonous is crucial when describing how creatures deliver toxins. An animal is correctly classified as venomous if it actively injects toxic substances into another organism, typically through a specialized apparatus like the fangs found in snakes such as *Crotalus molossus*. This process requires the creature to bite its target. Conversely, poisonous animals deliver toxins passively; their harmful substances are dangerous primarily upon ingestion or dermal contact, not injection. Since the black-tailed rattlesnake deploys its toxins specifically through its bite mechanism, the descriptor 'venomous' accurately reflects its defense and predation strategy, whereas 'poisonous' would imply toxicity upon touch or swallowing.