Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Stay Safe During the Southern Snake Season

Rattlesnake rattle (not rattling)

Most birders who spend time in the field, or even in their yards, are likely to encounter a snake in season. Snakes are especially common during spring and fall in the southern tier of states, when birders are enjoying bird migrations. Birders also spend most of our time looking up, rather than at the ground, so we might miss seeing a snake. Most snakes we encounter are harmless and all snakes are extremely beneficial to our ecosystems. It is possible, though, that birders will encounter a venomous snake from time to time, so it’s best to be aware.

Whit Gibbons, an expert on venomous snakes and snakebites, explains that the true risk of getting a venomous snakebite in the United States is greatly exaggerated due to the fact that most American snakebites happen when pet/captive venomous snakes are handled, or when wild venomous snakes are harassed, or are attempted to be captured, handled or killed.

Starting with that information, don’t attempt to capture venomous snakes, or harass them in any way. Certain precautions can be taken to avoid almost all snake bites, reducing the true threat of snakebite to be less likely than being struck by lightning.

Dr. Gibbons explained that the majority of wild snake bites occur when a person is attempting to handle, harass or kill a venomous snake. White men and young adults (18-28 years old) are the most frequently bitten demographic. While there are approximately 7,000 snakebites reported annually, an estimated one-half of these bites are actual envenomations and the rest are “dry bites,” in which the snake bites but no venom is injected.

On average, there are fewer than 1,900 overall animal-related deaths in the country each year; bee and wasp stings and dog attacks account for a majority while snakes only account for a mean average of five to six deaths each year. Below is a wealth of information to avoid venomous snakes and reduce the likelihood of interactions with them.

You are most likely to encounter snakes:
1) when they are crossing roads;
2) when they are moving through your yard or through other transient habitats;
3) during breeding season (spring or fall) when they are traveling in search of mates;
4) when they are basking near habitat edges (wetland shorelines, wooded edges, rock outcrops).

Watch your step and mind your reach. Many of our snake species use camouflage to protect themselves from predators or to catch their prey. Accidentally stepping on or grabbing a snake can communicate to a snake that you are trying to harm it, resulting in an aggressive response.

Never place your hands, arms, feet or legs where you can’t see them when you’re outdoors. Even reaching under the house for something blindly can cause you to disturb a hiding snake. While venomous snakes generally do not strike when approached, they almost always strike if you grab them and/or pick them up, whether intentionally or accidentally.

Watch every step you take when you’re in snake country. Look for snakes on the ground the same way you look for birds. Watch the ground ahead of you and to both sides; watch for movement; don’t step into thick vegetation that you cannot see to the ground.

Always wear closed shoes and long pants when walking through woods, rocky desert areas and other places where you may encounter snakes.

Walk around logs instead of blindly stepping over them. Some snakes are rodent specialists and hunt along logs.

Use a flashlight so you can see the ground at night in areas where venomous snakes might be present.

Rattlesnakes rarely rattle. Don’t rely on rattlesnakes to alarm you to their presence. Most rattlesnakes do not rattle until they are disturbed or agitated.


Remain calm if you see a snake. If you encounter a snake, simply stop, view the snake and what it’s doing. Avoid it, step back, walk far around it or, if you are on the road, drive around it or let it pass. Most snake encounters are just observations of these animals moving from Point A to B. Remember, snakes are not interested in interacting with you because you are much bigger than they are; they are just going about their business.

Clear debris and wood from your yard. Snakes use debris to help them remain cool during hot months, or to search to find prey. Keeping yards and structures clear of debris keeps them from using these areas. Use gloves and remove firewood from wood piles carefully, during daylight hours. Watch your step next to wood piles and around the crevices between the wood. These spots can be preferred moist hiding places for several species.

Learn venomous snake identification. Learn to identify poisonous snakes that range in your area, and in areas you travel to. When in doubt, treat every snake like it is poisonous; that is, leave it alone and avoid any interactions with it.

Teach your children venomous snake identification. Children can readily learn to identify venomous snakes in your area at early ages. This knowledge empowers your child to know which species are potentially harmful and which are acceptable to stand back and observe. Playing outside is healthy for children physically and psychologically and being informed can make this activity safe and give you peace of mind as a parent. Teach them that all snakes are beneficial and that they should leave snakes alone when encountered.

Pets are curious! Keep dogs on leashes and keep cats indoors. Your pets probably don't understand the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes, and your dog’s reaction to a snake could be to stick its nose in the middle of a coil to sniff it. Meanwhile, your cat may think the snake is a play toy, or prey. Either situation makes the snake think the dog or cat is going to eat it, and it will react accordingly.

Don’t try to remove a snake. If a snake is on your property, leave it alone. People generally observe snakes in their yard when the snakes are on the move. When they are moving, they are doing just what you want them to do – leaving. Even if your intention is to just nudge a snake to move it on its way, remember that a snake can consider this action an attack. During venomous snake encounters, people can avoid the snake almost all of the time.

Don’t be scammed by snake deterrent products that are claimed to prevent snakes from entering your property, even if they are sold in reputable stores. In open areas outdoors, none of these products work as advertised. Using enough to keep snakes away would make the property uninhabitable by people.

Educate yourself about snakes. Learn about snakes found in your state, and appreciate that all snakes are beneficial. Learn to distinguish the venomous snakes in your area, and pass this information on to your family, friends and neighbors. When you know how to differentiate species of snakes, you can navigate any birding setting with confidence. Similar to birds, most snakes are pretty interesting; but be aware of the hazards of venomous snakes and how to eliminate interactions with them.

News story based on information provided by J. Whitfield (Whit) Gibbons, Professor Emeritus of Ecology, University of Georgia

You can contact Whit with snake questions at wgibbon@uga.edu