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5841
Brookshire Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28216
Serving
Mecklenburg County Residents
Award winning website
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INFORMATION AND IDENTIFICATION
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Snakes can be beneficial by eating bugs, voles, and mice. The ONLY snake to be concerned
with in Mecklenburg County is the copperhead. Most of
our snakes can be left alone. Molting: Snakes molt several times a year.
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Water moccasins, rattlesnakes and coral snakes have
NOT been reported in Mecklenburg. Coral snakes do not have fangs and are
relatively shy creatures.
- The # 1 cause of poisonous snake bites are
from people who pick up the recently severed head !
- Photo-gallery of snakes
- North
Carolina snake pictures
POISONOUS SNAKES
- Poisonous snakes usually have a diamond-shaped head, but it is hard for the amateur to
distinguish or use this feature.
- Copperheads are
the ONLY recorded poisonous snake in Mecklenburg. They are a two-toned copper color and vary in length
from 6 inches to 3 feet. Copperhead young are born live, NOT from eggs. They occur
in wet and dry areas. Don't confuse the copperhead with the non-poisonous corn snake which looks
similar. The corn snake is orange banded, rather than copper banded, and the corn snake
does not have a diamond shaped head.
- Snake bites in our area are usually not fatal. Seek medical attention immediately,
including pets.
- Many non-poisonous water snakes also have a diamond-shaped head. In water areas,
there will always be snakes. It is best to leave them alone.
- Again, the # 1 cause of poisonous snake bites
are from people who pick up the recently severed head !
- Photo-gallery of snakes
SNAKE PREVENTION
- Snake repellents are NOT effective. Lime, sulfur, mothballs are all ineffective and are a
waste of money. Mothballs are toxic when eaten by children and pets.
- Any wild area is a good habitat for all wildlife, including snakes.
- Altering habitat is the only way to reduce snakes. Keep grass under 3 inches. Keep shrub
and flower beds with less than 4 inches of mulch. Remove debris piles. Be careful around
wood piles.
- Areas with new development near by may experience an increase in snakes as wildlife
(including snakes) leave the construction areas.
- When entering dark areas such as tool sheds or crawl spaces, use a light source and
examine the area before you step or grab for something. Snakes will hide in sheds,
garages, and crawl spaces.
- In the case of children, it may be advisable to construct a
snake fence.
WHEN SNAKES ENTER THE HOME
- Determine how they entered and fence or seal those areas.
- Leave several damp towels in the area were they were last seen.
- Pick the towels up with a shovel or another long object and place towels outside to see
if you caught the snake. Don't pick up towels up with bare hands.
HANDLING OR KILLING SNAKES
- A net, bucket, or other object can be used to pick up snakes.
- Use a method that keeps you at least two
arms' length from the snake.
- If killing a snake, use a shovel or long object to sever the head.
- Don't touch the head of a killed poisonous
snake; it can still reflex and bite.
SNAKEBITES
- A person who is bitten by a poisonous snake is likely to feel instant, persistent, and
increasing pain.
- Non-poisonous snakes induce some pain and bruising, but not a stinging
pain with worsening conditions such as trouble breathing.
- Most snake bites, including copperheads, are not fatal--even to dogs and cats.
- Again, the # 1 cause of poisonous snake bites
are from people who pick up the recently severed head !
What
to do when bitten
- Under the circumstances, the victim should remain calm and move as little as possible.
This will slow the circulation of the bite.
- Gently wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold, wet cloth over the bite.
- The most important thing is to get to an emergency room. Make sure someone besides the
victim drives the car. The higher up on the body such as arms, chest, and
head, the more serious the bite.
- Antidotes can be used but they can have harsh side effects so ask your doctor about it.
What
NOT to do when bitten
Do NOT apply a tourniquet, do NOT pack the bite area in ice or water,
do NOT cut the wound
with a knife, do NOT try to suck out venom, and do NOT drink alcohol
REFERENCES
Updated November 2000