How do I identify a venomous snake? This is a question commonly asked by Maryland residents. Everyone wants to know if any dangerous snakes live near them and what they look like.
Therefore, it’d be advantageous to know what snakes to look out for and which to ignore.
Even though there are about 27 species and subspecies of snakes in Maryland, only two are venomous snakes. While some non-venomous snakes will try to mimic venomous snakes with things like puffing their heads to look more prominent, the only venomous snakes in Maryland are the copperhead and timber rattlesnake.
The Copperhead
These heavy-bodied snakes have pale tan-colored skin with dark-colored hourglass-shaped crossbands. Many harmless snakes are mistakenly killed because of their similarity in color and broadheads with elliptical pupils. The copper snake possesses a heat-sensing pit between the eye and the nostril. The latter helps them hunt prey, usually frogs, salamanders, and rodents.
They’re mainly found in mixed woodlands, deciduous forests, and often rocky outcroppings.
Sometimes you may spot copperhead in swampy areas or near the rivers. They tend to produce a buzzing sound by vibrating their tails to warn off predators.
While their attacks are rare and their poison is not fatal to humans or dogs, it’s advisable to treat any incident as a medical emergency.
Timber Rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is the only snake in Maryland with a rattle; therefore, it shouldn’t be that hard to identify. In addition, their skin color generally ranges from yellowish-brown to almost black with black or dark brown crossbands. This heavy-bodied snake also has heat-sensing pits on its triangular heads like its counterparts.
They’re mainly found in mountainous regions, where they den together in communal caves and crevices. Unlike the copperheads, the rattlesnake venom is potent and can even result in human fatalities. Therefore, you should contact an animal control professional when you see it rather than engage.
How to Keep Snakes Away from Your Property
To avoid confrontation with venomous snakes, you can take specific measures:
- Fence your property and ensure there are no gaps that the snake can slither through from the wild.
- Declutter your yard and seal any cracks on the walls of your house to prevent the snakes from hiding in piles of rocks or wood and entering your home.
- Trim your hedges and keep the grass short. Snakes are always on the move, searching for prey like mice and frogs that tend to hide in such environments. Keeping your home well maintained keeps the rodents away and, consequently, the snakes too.
Have a Snake Problem in Maryland? Contact Shumaker Animal Control Today
All snakes in Maryland are protected by law, so it’s illegal to kill any snake species, be it venomous or not. Therefore, it’s advisable to call licensed animal removers to take care of any snake problem you might have.
If you think you have spotted a venomous snake on your property, reach out to Shumaker Animal Control. With more than 25 years of experience in this field, our licensed team will take care of the situation to ensure your safety.
We care about the well-being of the animals. We’ll therefore remove the snakes in the most humane way possible. Feel free to check out our services, and if you’ve a snake problem in Maryland, don’t hesitate to contact us on our website or call us at 443-854-8072.