Precaution: Copperhead Snakes Are Still Around

It is September and the start of football season, leaves falling off of trees, the smell of wood burning, cooler nights and also baby copperheads are being born. While the temperatures are getting cooler, so why are there snakes still out?

Some snakes go into hibernation during the cold months, which means they actually go to sleep. 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.

The mother copperhead snake generally gives birth to about 8 – 10 babies. Typically if you see one, there are more around. Baby copperhead snakes are born with venom and ready to defend themselves. They are typically more venomous than an adult snake. The babies will keep those greenish/yellow tips on their tails for about a year. These snakes are not generally aggressive but will bite if you are unfortunate enough to touch or step on one.

Here are some pre-active steps to take to ensure safety against snakes:

• Keep vegetation thinned and trimmed by wearing heavy work gloves, shoes or boots.

• Remove piles of leaves and brush away from walkways and play areas.

• Be alert when working around stacks of lumber.

• When outside at night, use a flashlight and shine before you step. Also use when working in a dark shed, garage or barn.

• Remove anything around your home that will attract rodents which is a main course for snakes.

• Do not reach under bushes, around rocks, or even flower pots without looking first.

Here are some tips if you encounter a snake.

[if !supportLists]1. [endif] Never try to capture or kill a snake. Most snake bites occur from a non-professional wildlife tech trying to capture or kill it.

[if !supportLists]2. [endif]Stay on the trail/path if you are hiking or taking a stroll in the woods. Avoid rocks and logs due to snakes like to hide under these areas. Also avoid tall grass because a snake can be easier seen if the grass is kept maintained. Know your surroundings.

[if !supportLists]3. [endif]If you happen to come across a snake, even if it's not venomous, stay calm. You don't want to make any sudden movements toward the snake, walk away from it or go the opposite direction. If you are not able to go the opposite direction, then you want to give the snake a wide distance between you both as you circle around it.

[if !supportLists]4. [endif]Protect your pets. Make sure you put your pets inside or in a fenced off area of your property if you come in contact with a snake on your property. Dogs typically go after any animal which comes on its territory.

[if !supportLists]5. [endif]Teach your children what he/she should do once comes in contact with a snake as well. We all teach our children a fire safety route if our home is on fire. They also need to have a plan of what to do if they come in contact with any wild animal.

If you see evidence of a snake, give Elite Wildlife Removal a call at 804-867-7184. We will more than happy to work with you regarding any of your nuisance wildlife pest needs.