Snakes Becoming Active In Fairfax County: Tips For Residents

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA—While the warmer weather encourages more people to enjoy the outdoors, it does the same for snakes in Fairfax County. The county says snakes become more active in the spring and summer, increasing the chance that you and your pets might encounter these creatures.

Fairfax County is home to both venomous and non-venomous snakes. The Northern copperhead is the only venomous snake commonly found in the county. They can typically be found in the sun on trails, in rocky areas and in stream valleys and are most active between April and October.

Northern copperheads can be identified by their triangular head shape, vertical pupil, hourglass scale pattern, copper, light brown or tan color and yellow-tip tails on young snakes. The only other venomous specific that could appear in Fairfax County is the timber rattlesnake, but there have not been credible sightings in recent history.

Non-venomous snakes are not harmful and are considered valuable for pest control. Some commonly found snakes include the Eastern rat snake, Eastern garter snake, Dekay’s brown snake, Northern water snake and Northern ring-necked snake. Last year, a rare two-headed copperhead was found in a Prince William County yard.

The county says in a news release many non-venomous snakes are mistaken for copperheads and killed each year. You can see comparison images of copperheads and non-venomous snake types here.

Most snakes are found when they are crossing roads, looking for mates during breeding season, moving through your backyard or other habitats, or basking near habitat edges like forest lines or bodies of water.

If you want to keep snakes away from your home, you will want to remove potential food sources or favored habitats. The county recommends removing heavy mulching and large rock used in landscaping, wood and brush piles, debris and high grass, mowing grass often, trimming trees and shrubs, clearing overhanging vegetation that snakes could climb, and moving woodpiles away from the home. Bird feeders should be moved away from the house or removed altogether, as seed can attract rodents that snakes prey on. Residents should also secure trash bins and keep pet food indoors.

Snake bites occur when someone is handling a snake or accidentally touches one when walking. The county offers the following tips to avoid snake bites:

• Stop and keep a safe distance to give the snake room to move away on its own
• Do not try to handle snakes since they may bite if provoked
• Stay on trails, sidewalks and cleared pathways
• Wear boots or closed shoes and long pants when working outdoors or walking in wooded areas
• Wear leather gloves when handling brush and debris
• Use a flashlight if walking at night in areas where snakes might be present
• Keep dogs on leashes and pet cats indoors to reduce chances of them encountering a snake

If you are bitten by a snake you believe may be venomous, seek immediate medical attention. If you encounter a sick or injured snake, call the non-emergency police line at 703-691-2131 to be connected with Animal Protection Police.

For more about different types of snakes found in Fairfax County, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/wildlife/reptiles.