It’s Fall… Why Do I Still See Snakes?

We are clear into fall within our area. The leaves are finally changing colors and falling from the trees. Halloween has come and gone; therefore, Thanksgiving and Christmas is on their way. The temperatures are getting colder, so why are there snakes still out?

That’s a good question. Snakes typically stay out of cold temperatures. Venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths hibernate when the weather cools down. Usually snakes will start the hibernation process at the end of October. Unfortunately, this year we have seen weather warmer than usual and we have experienced an abundant amount of rain which is prolonging them from finding their winter resting place.

Some snakes don’t really hibernate. They do something similar brumation. Hibernation is when an animal goes to sleep to save their energy. However, brumation is when an animal is less active but not asleep. Their body temperature lowers and their metabolism slows in which they will want to feed less.

As the leaves from the trees start changing their colors to orange, red, and brown, snakes are camouflaged which makes it hard to detect them. Dense shrubbery is also a great place for snakes to hide. Wood piles for the winter should be kept away from the home. By keeping your yard raked from fallen leaves, cutting back any shrubs close to your home and making sure the gardens are weeded will help detect a snake faster.

Snake bites can be painful. Some snakes can even bite multiple times before you are able to move away from it. If you come in contact with a snake, give Elite Wildlife Removal a call at 804-867-7184. Our trained certified experts will be more than happy to work with you regarding any your nuisance pest needs.