Sssnake! What to know during Virginia’s Snake Season

VIRGINIA ( DC News Now ) — It’s time to talk about sssnakes!

As the slithering species start to emerge in Virginia, the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is advising residents across the Commonwealth to stay vigilant during snake season.

From mid-July through September, people in Virginia typically see an increase in rattlesnake movement. This is their mating season and males are on the move searching for their partner. The DWR said this is also the time when human rattlesnake interactions happen the most.

According to the DWR, there are 32 species of snakes in Virginia, but only three are venomous.

Copperhead

According to the DWR, Copperhead snakes are the most common snake in Virginia. This snake is not usually found inside homes but is common in gardens and woodlots. They are mostly spotted in the Southwest Virginia area.

Timber rattlesnakes

Timber rattlesnakes are common only in the mountainous region of western Virginia. DWR said they can also be found in a small area of extreme southern Virginia, where they are known as canebrake rattlesnakes.

Water moccasins

Water moccasins, also known as cottonmouths, can be found in the South and east of Petersburg. They are normally detected around wet areas. Officials said the Northern Ring-necked Snake, Eastern Ratsnake (aka Blacksnake), Black Racer, and Northern Watersnake, are often misidentified as a Cottonmouth snake.

Even though the word, “snake” may raise hairs for many, DWR said most are harmless and can provide valuable service around the house. Officials said the presence of a snake around your property or in your house may indicate that there is a rodent problem.

If you encounter a snake or want to check your home, DWR suggests the following:

• Eliminate habitat near your home. Remove all rock and brush piles and keep grassy areas mowed short near the house. This will eliminate attraction for mice and cover for snakes.
• If a snake is known to have entered the structure, examine the foundation of the house thoroughly. Seal all areas around pipes, vents, or other places that may provide small openings both for rodents and snakes. Also, check the roof for overhanging vegetation. Snakes are good climbers and can also enter through the attic where trees or shrubs provide access.
• If a snake is found in the house, identify the snake (A Snakes of Virginia guide is available from the Department). Once it is known to be non-venomous, carefully place a bucket or wastebasket over the snake. Then slip a board carefully under the bucket or basket and carry the snake outside and release it. Remember, if you have not sealed the holes in the foundation, the snake may return.
• Have your house checked for rodent problems. If you can eliminate the food source, the snakes will go elsewhere.

According to code 4VAC15-30-10 , it is against the law to “take, possess, import, cause to be imported, export, cause to be exported, buy, sell, offer for sale, or liberate within the Commonwealth any wild animal unless otherwise specifically permitted by law or regulation.”

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