Avoid unnecessary confrontations
I think it would be safe to say that a majority of us were more than eager for winter to end and welcomed the arrival of spring. However, it does appear that our spring season has been short-lived.
We experienced abnormally cold temperatures during the beginning of the season. Then, after a week or two of pleasant weather, the daytime highs began to creep near the mid-90s.
With warmer temperatures, a lot of folks feel compelled to get out and enjoy Mother Nature. I, too, feel the same sentiment. But with the warmer days and nights comes a greater chance of happening upon those critters that folks literally love to hate. That’s right, I’m referring to snakes.
First, let’s talk a few statistics. According to http:// www.UAEX.edu, 36 snake species are native to Arkansas. And of these species only six are venomous. Fortunately, many venomous snakes would rather go unnoticed or flee in lieu of biting.
However, there are those who, for whatever reason, have a bad disposition and seem more than willing to stand their ground. Some will resort to aggression only upon feeling cornered. But I’ll be the first to agree that there are others that appear mad at the world.
One might also find comfort in knowing that the number of people who die of snake bites throughout the United State on an annual basis is small. In fact, according to http://www.ufwildlfie.ifas.edu, 7,000 to 8,000 people throughout the U.S. are bitten by venomous snakes on an annual basis. And of these bites, only five or six fatalities are reported. The availability of “high-quality medical care” is partially responsible for such low numbers.
The website goes on to suggest that people are more apt to die from lung cancer, automobile accidents, lightning strikes, bee stings, dog attacks and spider bites than meeting their demise as a result of a snake bite. But in all fairness, the Average Joe is also a great deal more likely to experience the aforementioned scenarios.
I’m pretty sure that statistics are not going to change one’s sentiments about snakes, nor will it lessen their fear. That in mind, I thought this would prove a perfect time to suggest some steps to avoid close confrontations with these reptiles.
First and foremost, it is important to hone one’s identification skills. Believe it or not, snakes play an important role in the control of rodents and other unwanted critters. And sadly enough, many harmless snakes are killed on an annual basis, species that we should actually consider as beneficial. But the venomous species also feed on rodents.
Snakes are no different from other critters in the sense that they gather where food is readily available. That in mind, it is important to control the rodent population in the vicinity of one’s home.
Snakes are coldblooded critters. In turn, their very survival depends upon finding refuge from direct sunlight during the summertime months. So, it only makes sense to keep one’s property wellgroomed and clear of rock piles, brush piles and other debris.
It’s also important to understand that snakes stir just before and after dark during the hotter months of the year, as the temperatures are noticeably cooler. In turn, one should carry a flashlight while outside during the nighttime hours.
One can take several steps around their homes to lessen the habitat and food sources for snakes. But our forests and rivers are a different story. I must suggest that a large number of annual bites are a result of handling snakes or simply pestering them from being too close. In fact, I have heard stories of folks getting bitten while trying to kill them.
But there are cases when one falls victim by simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time. In fact, I can recall one summer evening when a cottonmouth struck my boot. I never realized I was close to the snake, as I was focused on dancing my lure across the water’s surface.
That said, it is important to watch where one steps. In fact, one might consider moving tall grass to the side with a long stick prior to walking through an area suspect of holding a snake. And I would also suggest stepping up on fallen logs prior to stepping across, as the shade produced by the log would prove perfect cover for a coldblooded critter taking refuge from direct sunlight.
Of course, those kicking around in or along the edge of creeks and rivers are apt to happen upon an occasional cottonmouth. And for some reason, this particular species seems to have a bad disposition.
In turn, one should carefully place their steps in suspect environments. One should also be aware that cottonmouths sometimes gravitate toward shoals and other moving water. However, there is no section of a body of water that is immune to them.
It is important to pay close attention to where one puts their feet at all times. But it is equally important to pay attention to where one places their hands. One might also scan an area prior to sitting down where they might hunt or take cover. And one might also consider simply stepping away and choosing a different route, in lieu of trying to kill them.
I have had my fair share of confrontations with snakes throughout the years. And I totally understand one’s fear of these creatures. But I’ll also be quick to suggest that those who are mindful of their habits and habitats, and those who take steps to avoid close contact can share the outdoors with snakes with minimal danger of a good outing gone bad.