Steele also says it’s frustrating because when a person sees a snake, he always thinks it’s a copperhead, even if they don’t look like a copperhead and is only a snake. Steele feels that snakes just get a bad rap.

Black rat snakes are one of the most common snakes found in suburban backyards around the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

They are most active between April and October. Range

With the warm weather, more people are spending more time outdoors.

Fairfax County is home to an array of snake species, most of which are non-venomous and pose no threat to people.Among the most frequently observed resident snakes are the Eastern rat snake, Eastern garter snake, Dekay’s brown snake, Northern water snake and Northern ring-necked snake; common and important predators in our ecosystems.

Tips to reduce the chances of snake bites from the Fairfax County Police Department.

But they will strike repeatedly if bothered.

Virginia. When You’re Most Likely to Encounter Snakes, 7 Tips to Reduce Your Chances of a Snake Bite. All rights reserved. The Black Ratsnake is one of the most common snakes found in West Virginia. A sharp-snouted snake having bands of red, bordered by black with white or cream interspaces. WASHINGTON — Although May was the height of snake season, nobody is out of the woods yet.

It is considered to be the state’s largest serpent. April 26: Stretch It Out Free Yoga for Seniors and Older Adults: Join a certified instructor to experience the serenity... 12000 Government Center Pkwy

Their rodent diet and their propensity to inhabit areas with human populations often translated into the humans calling them rat snakes based primarily on the snake’s diet.

Foods. The following techniques should make your homes and premises less attractive and available for snakes.

Most snake bites occur when snakes are handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing. Individuals normally reach an adult size of 4 to 6 feet; however, specimens have been known to exceed 8 feet in length.

In cross section, the bodies of ratsnakes are not round, but instead resemble a loaf of bread. For more information on managing wildlife interactions and resolving human-wildlife conflicts, the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline is available toll-free at (855) 571-9003, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Fairfax County is home to an array of snake species, most of which are non-venomous and pose no threat to people. The snout is red. He says the Northern Water Snake is a very common snake that’s found statewide in Virginia. “There’s no way that a copperhead will ever kill you,” he said. Wear leather gloves when handling brush and debris.

This is the most common snake in the Shenandoah National Park and the Great Dismal Swamp. You can also contact the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline toll-free 855-571-9003 from 8 … His advice: If you’re out walking your dog and come across a snake, back up a couple of steps and find another way around the snake. It is seldom encountered in the open.

It’s a myth that snakes will chase you. The bands do not go all the way around. Wear boots or closed-toe shoes and long pants when walking in wooded areas or working outdoors. If you find a sick or injured snake, contact the police non-emergency line at (703) 691-2131 to be connected with the Animal Protection Police.

Northern Copperheads are found statewide. Although this snake is a gentle giant — growing larger than 6 feet, Steele says sometimes you can handle it and it won’t bite you. website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Some of the best hiking in the nation is found right in here in West Virginia, but we’ve noticed that some of you are hesitant to enjoy the great hikes we feature (like this one or this one) for one big reason: snakes. That is unless you are really young or old, have an autoimmune disease or don’t get medical attention. But snakes also are out enjoying the warmer weather and basking in the sun. These snakes, and others, are beneficial and provide a valuable service in our communities in the way of pest control. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats, from rocky hills to dense forests to flat farmland. Here's what to know about them. WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM.

Copperheads may be found basking in the sun on trails, in rocky areas and in stream valleys. Among the most frequently observed resident snakes are the Eastern rat snake, Eastern garter snake, Dekay’s brown snake, Northern water snake and Northern ring-necked snake; common and important predators in our ecosystems.

The Black Rat Snake in the picture ranks as the most wide ranging of the species. Follow @WTOP on Twitter and like us on Facebook. They vaguely have a pattern that resembles a copperhead.”. This helpline is a collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services. The ringneck snake is secretive, inhabiting the leaf litter and upper soil horizon community.

Call Fairfax County police on the nonemergency number 703-691-2131 if you find a sick or injured snake. When walking or hiking, stay on trails, sidewalks or cleared pathways. Copperheads can be identified by their: Many of our non-venomous snakes are unnecessarily killed each year because they are misidentified as copperheads. Learn more about the different types of snakes and see photos on the Virginia Herpetological Society’s website.

Take Note of the Northern Copperhead Snake. With the warm weather, more people are spending more time outdoors, and so are snakes. Rat Snakes. Black rat snakes are the largest species of snake in our area, reaching lengths longer than either the timber rattlesnake or the eastern watersnake. Steele says you could end up losing a finger. Following a few simple tips when outdoors can increase your chances of staying safe: Most snakes found around homes are following a food source or taking advantage of existing habitat.

Call Fairfax County police on the nonemergency number 703-691-2131 if you find a sick or injured snake. Sinister looking but harmless hog-nosed snake.

Volunteers Needed to Help Lower Income Residents Reduce Utility Bills ... Two New Purple Bins for Glass Recycling Now Available... OmMade Peanut Butter to Expand in Reston with State and County Funding... 14 Early Voting Sites Now Open Until Oct. 31... Fairfax County Weekender — April 26-28, 2019, Hourglass scale pattern that runs the length of their body, When they are moving through your backyard or through other transient habitats, During breeding season (spring or fall) when they are moving to look for mates, When they are basking near habitat edges (e.g., water bodies, forest lines), If you see a snake, stop and keep a safe distance — give the snake room to move away on its own, Do not try to handle snakes, as they may bite if provoked, When walking or hiking, 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. That is unless you are really young or old, have an autoimmune disease or don’t get medical attention. For information on identification of the Northern copperhead and harmless look-a-like species, please visit the Virginia Herpetological Society.

Kathy Stewart | @KStewartWTOP.

Two Rat Snakes, the Black Rat Snake and Corn Snake reside in West Virginia.

Steele says there are roughly 32 snake species that are native to Virginia but only three of those are venomous.

HARMLESS LOOK-ALIKES EASTERN SCARLET SNAKE, Cemophora cinea copei.

He says the Eastern Ratsnake doesn’t seem to mind being around people. You can also contact the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline toll-free 855-571-9003 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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(left – adult copperhead; right – juvenile copperhead with yellow tail tip) Photos from the Virginia Herpetological Society. “They are a water snake that likes to be around ponds and lakes and streams. But the Northern Water Snake does look a lot more like a copperhead than other snakes, says Steele, but they are not venomous. Don’t try to handle a snake; it will bite if provoked. He says they are the least venomous of venomous snakes in the world.

Northern copperheads, pictured above, are living in Fairfax County.

Fairfax, VA 22035, Northern water snake, a common non-venomous species.

Deadline to Apply for Vote-By-Mail Ballot is Oct. 23, Podcast: County Executive Discusses COVID-19 Response and Election Preparations, 14 Early Voting Sites Now Open Until Oct. 31, OmMade Peanut Butter to Expand in Reston with State and County Funding, Volunteers Needed to Help Lower Income Residents Reduce Utility Bills Through Energy and Water Conservation. But if they do bite you, it will hurt. If you are bitten by a snake you believe could be venomous, seek emergency medical attention immediately. A coral snake look-alike found in the Eastern Piedmont and Coastal Plain.

Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you. It’s nonvenomous and eats rodents. Like most species of snakes, black rat snakes are not social creatures and prefer to live and hunt alone.

Virginia is home to more than thirty species of snakes, but I’ve narrowed this post down to just a handful of species that are encountered most frequently around local homes and gardens. The Northern copperhead is the only venomous snake species commonly found in Fairfax County. Keep dogs on a leash and cats indoors to cut down on the chances of them meeting up with a snake. Posted on April 29, 2019 in All News, Animals, To Know. Use a flashlight at night if you are walking in areas where snakes could be.

10 Species Of Snakes Commonly Spotted In West Virginia And What To Do If You See Them.

When he talks to people about their fear of snakes, it turns out that, they don’t have a basis for their fear, other than they’ve been told they should be afraid of snakes.

This species feeds on insects, earthworms, small snakes, small lizards, salamanders and frogs. Kory Steele, a snake expert and past president of the Virginia Herpetological Society, says snakes will really come out in the morning to bask. This Fairfax Co. schools move forward with reopening plan, Virginia Herpetological Society’s website, Northam orders VMI investigation after report of racism experienced by Black cadets, Virginia lawmakers vote to make Juneteenth a state holiday, No immediate ruling from judge after Lee statue trial, Fairfax County schools moving forward with plan to get more kids back in classrooms, DC police commission adds outside help to examine practices, criminal justice system, Low-flying helicopters over DC assessing radiation ahead of inauguration.

Eastern Rat Snake: More commonly known as the Black Rat Snake, this snake is Virginia’s longest native snake, capable of reaching up to 8 feet in length!



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