SNAKES

Information and Identification	Snake prevention	Handling and killing snakes
Poisonous snakes	When snakes enter the home	What to do when bitten
Non-poisonous snakes	Snakebites	What NOT to do when bitten

INFORMATION AND IDENTIFICATION

• 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.
• 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

NON-POISONOUS SNAKES

• Examples of  non-poisonous snakes in Mecklenburg: Corn snake, garter snake, king snake, black rat snake.
• 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

 Updated November 2000