Top Ten Tips for a Safe Snake Season

Be aware of your surroundings, and there’s no need to beware of snakes.

Snake season is here, but that’s no reason to avoid the outdoors. Enjoy nature, wildlife, and stay safe with our Top Tips for a Safe Snake Season:

  1. Do not approach, handle, move, or kill snakes – most bites happen in these situations!
  2. Use lights when walking at night.
  3. Look before placing your hands and feet.
  4. Create clear, wide paths throughout your yard for safe walking.
  5. Don’t feed or water your pets or wildlife on the ground.
  6. Don’t create shelter for snakes or their prey with debris piles.
  7. Do not use glue traps or bird netting – they trap snakes too.
  8. Learn your venomous snake neighbors’ habits and avoid their areas.
  9. Welcome non-venomous snakes, such as Bullsnakes and Whipsnakes to your yard – they may make it less inviting to the others.
  10. Observe and enjoy all snakes from a safe distance!

Snakes are important predators and prey, and their presence indicates a healthy and productive ecosystem. Learn to live with them and appreciate your encounters.

“It is not only possible to live with venomous snakes, but can be very rewarding. My first encounter of the year with a sleepy snake, just waking up from his long winter’s nap, is something I look forward to all winter.”
– Melissa Amarello, Executive Director, ASP

Melissa sitting near Henry, a Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
Melissa sitting near Henry, a Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, photographed by Jeff Smith.