The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Snakes: Myths versus reality
It’s that time of year again, when snakes are spotted in driveways, yards and wooded areas around metro Atlanta. Jason Clark of Southeastern Reptile Rescue in Griffin said the warmer weather and heavy rains drives snakes out from their shelters. For some species it’s also into the breeding season. Some will soon lay eggs. Others will give live birth in late summer. That means more calls and emails to snake experts like Clark and John Jensen of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. All native snakes, including the venomous species, are part of the natural fauna and thus “belong,” said Jensen. Many of them perform helpful functions such as controlling rodents, slugs, centipedes and leeches. Of the 46 species of snakes found in Georgia, six are venomous. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about snakes:
Head shape
Myth: A triangular head means the snake is venomous.
Reality: Actually, five of the six venomous snakes, including copperheads, timber rattlers and cottonmouths in Georgia have triangular heads. The eastern coral snake, found along the coastal areas, does not. Some harmless snakes have the ability to move the bones in their skulls to a triangular shape to appear dangerous in an effort to ward off threats.
Pupil shape
Myth: If a snake has elliptical pupils that means its venomous.
Reality: Not necessarily. Some dangerous snakes found in other nations, like the mamba in subSaharan Africa, have round pupils. So does the Georgia native eastern coral snake. Also, sometimes because of environmental changes, like a lower amount of light, a venomous snake’s eyes can
dilate, making them round. Who wants to get close enough to notice, though?
Repellents
Myth: Lime, sulfur, mothballs and commercial snake repellents will keep snakes away.
Reality: Experts say not so. If you toss mothballs in your yard, for instance, and don’t see a snake, it’s probably because you simply don’t see the snake or perhaps there aren’t any in the immediate area. You’d have to use so many mothballs anyway that you probably couldn’t stand to be in your own yard. Snake repellents and lime wash away and there’s not much proof they keep snakes away.
Treating bites
Myth: If you’re bitten by a venomous snake, tie a tourniquet around the area or cut the wound and suck out the venom.
Reality: Don’t do this, say experts. Some venoms contain toxins, which destroy tissue or affect the respiratory system. Applying
a tourniquet concentrate those toxins in one place. Also take off watches and rings. The best thing to do is call 911 or poison control right away. Program the Poison Control Center number (1-800-222-1222) into your phone or have it nearby in case you need to call. Get help quickly.
Where they go
Myth: Snakes don’t like to crawl over small garden rocks or ropes.
Reality: They can crawl over and under rocks and up trees and structures. Snakes like ground cover. It’s a lot easier for them to burrow under pine straw and ivy. Harder for them (though not impossible) to burrow under mulch, small garden rocks and bark. It’s best to keep your grass cut low and remove yard debris like fallen limbs and piles of dead leaves. Also remove tree limbs that hang over your home.
What they eat
Myth: Rat snakes will eat copperheads.
Reality: Different kinds of snakes have different diets. Some like bugs, snails, frogs and lizards. Others like rats and mice. King snakes will eat copperheads and lots of other prey. Rat snakes do not eat copperheads although they do eat smaller snakes.
Baby snakes
Myth: If you see a baby snake that means there’s a family around somewhere.
Reality: Whether a snake delivers live babies or eggs, their parenting skills leave a lot to be desired. Once born, “they’re pretty much on their own,” Jensen says of the youngsters. If you see a bigger snake around, it’s probably coincidence. “They immediately start dispersing.”