Snake Safety 101

Most of us have probably seen a snake in our yard or alongside the road. Most snakes in our area are harmless, but there are some things to be aware of if you encounter one.

Last week's "" story triggered a wealth of responses from people interested in snake safety.

Snakes are mostly found in leaf piles, wood piles, under rocks, cool places and in dense vegetation. They like to lay in the sun to get warm and find cool, wet places to cool off.

In our area, mostly what we see are black snakes, green garter snakes, and copperheads. The first two can be welcome additions to our gardens because they control the rodent population; the latter can cause us stress if we encounter them.

Maryland has two venomous species of snakes: the timber rattler and copperheads. There are 27 total species common in Maryland. Copperheads an attack with venom. While uncommon, we still need to be on alert when in wooded areas.

Snakes are rarely aggressive towards humans. According to the Department of Natural Resources, if you encounter a snake simply maintain a safe distance and move away from it, or allow it to move away from you.

Snakes are among the most feared and hated creatures in the world, despite the great amount of material that has been written about their beneficial activities.

Snakes are the creatures we love to hate.

If you do find that you have been bitten:

• First and foremost is to stay calm.
• Remove all constricting devices and do not apply a tourniquet to the area.
• Do not attempt to suck out the venom, as you will probably do more harm than good.
• Do not cut into a snake bite to release venom and seek medical attention immediately.

“80 % of snakebites in the US are by nonpoisonous snakes which just cause mild pain and no swelling.  For these bites just local wound care, and perhaps a tetanus shot, may be the only treatment necessary,” recommends Crofton physician Dr. Ronald Sroka.

“Generally poisonous snakebites are immediately painful and swelling may be delayed or rapidly progressive,” Dr. Sroka shared.

Prevention is probably the best advice. Use caution when overturning logs or rocks. If walking, use a walking stick to tap the area in front of you to alert your presence. Do not provoke a snake, as this is when the most bites occur.

So what about the snakehead fish?

Snakehead fish are imported for food and aquariums. They are not native to our area and can cause trouble if released into our waters. If you should catch one while fishing, contact the Department of Natural Resources.

Common Snakes in Maryland

• Black Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta)
• Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)
• Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platyrhinos)
• Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula getula)
• Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum)
• Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus)
• Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus)
• Northern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor)
• Northern Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi dekayi)
• Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen)
• Northern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsi)
• Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon)
• Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus)
• Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis vernalis)
• Southern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus punctatus)

Uncommon, but not unlikely

• Coastal Plain Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides X triangulum)
• Corn Snake (Elaphe guttata guttata)
• Mole Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata)
• Northern Red Belly Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata)
• Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)
• Smooth Earth Snake (Virginia valeriae valeriae)
• Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix)
• Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus horridus)

(Information courtesy of the DNR Wildlife Service, Maryland)