Snakes are out this summer, here’s how to avoid them

June 27, 2018

Edna Ruiz,

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – You may not be a fan of the heat this summer, but snakes in Middle Georgia don’t mind it at all.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Biologist, Todd Schneider, says as temperatures heat up, you’re more likely to see a snake slithering in your backyard.

He says snakes are not dangerous unless they feel threatened. If you see one, just try to stay away.

“You can see them anywhere. You can drive down the road or walk in your front yard,” said Schneider. “As things warm up, snakes are cold-blooded animals so they need external environment to warm up, so they become more active.”

Schneider says you can find about 2-dozen different types of snakes in Middle Georgia.

“The most common ones you’d see around here would be black rat snakes or black racers sometimes garden snakes,” said Schneider. “But the ones you see going across the road are the larger black ones. Either black racers or black rat snakes. Both totally harmless.”

Even though the snake may seem harmless, Schneider says it’s probably not a good idea to pick it up.

“You never know if it’s a venomous snake or not, unless you’re absolutely able to identify it,” said Schneider. “Plus it’s not good for the snake and sometimes you can cause harm and can injure the snake. So it’s best just to leave them alone.”

The best way to keep a snake out? Schneider says moth balls don’t always work.

“You can make your yard less snake friendly by removing any debris, wood piles, fire wood, rocks and stones, other debris,” said Schneider.

Keeping your grass short can also help make it less easier for snakes to hangout.

“They’re not going to come after you, but if you go and mess with a venomous snake, you’re real close to it, you poke it, kick it, it’s going to protect itself,” said Schneider.

If you do get bitten by snake, go to the emergency room. Even if you think it’s not poisonous, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

You can learn more about snakes in the area by clicking here.