Berkeley Lake Mayor Bitten By Copperhead

BERKELEY LAKE, GA — The mayor of Berkeley Lake is warning residents to beware of venomous snakes, after suffering a snakebite of her own.

In her latest "Mayor's Message" to constituents, Lois Salter said she spent three days in the hospital and several weeks recovering at home after being bitten by a copperhead.

"I ran into mine about 10:00 p.m. in the middle of my driveway right at the edge of the street, and I will never walk at night again without a humongous flashlight," Salter wrote.

Berkeley Lake has a reputation as a wooded refuge amidst the heavy development in much of Gwinnett County. But, as Salter notes, that means having to deal with all kinds of wildlife.

She said she's aware of two other recent copperhead sightings, including one in which a neighbor's dog was bitten and killed.

Copperheads are common in all but the southernmost region of central Georgia, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. Identifiable by their "Hershey Kiss" shaped markings, they are usually found in hardwood forests and adults reach 2-3 feet in length.

Salter advised constituents to be careful not to kill off non-venomous snakes, which help to keep the population of venomous ones at bay.

"Like many of you, seeing any snake creeps me out," she wrote. "But at this point I seriously wish I had a whole bunch of king snakes slithering around in my yard. They eat other snakes, as do coyotes, possums, and raccoons."

She also encouraged homeowners to get rid of English ivy, which can be a snake hiding place.

"We are so blessed to live in this beautiful, natural area, but I want you to be more alert than I was to stay safe!" Salter wrote.

Photo by Tad Arensmeier, via Wikimedia Commons.