It’s estimated there are nearly 4,000 species of snakes across the globe. They have been in existence for millions of years and all share the same body style. That’s elongated bodies with no legs.
But, there is a huge difference between the danger level attached to the snakes you find across the US. Of all the species in the US, there are just 22 venomous species. That fact should make you feel a little safer if you find a snake.
However, it can be difficult to tell a venomous snake from one that isn’t, especially if you don’t have much experience with snakes. That’s why you should do the following.
Consider The Location
If you’ve just come across a snake while wild hiking then it’s you that is disturbing its habitat. The best approach is to walk away and leave the snake alone. In general, snakes are more afraid of humans than humans are of snakes!
However, if the snake is in your house or you have found it in the yard/ street, they are the ones in the wrong place.
Again, you should back away to give them space and no reason to attack. Your next step will depend on your location:
At Home–
If you’re home and the snake is in your house you should leave the room and make sure all family members and pets do as well.
If possible, close the doors to the room and place a towel at the bottom of the door. This will ensure the snake stays in the room.
You can then call your local pest control firm. They will have experience in dealing with snakes and be able to take care of them for you. You can find out more here.
In The Yard–
When the snake is in your yard you’ll want to remove all family and pets from the area. Ideally, go inside. At this stage, the best option is to watch the snake. It may simply be passing through and heading back into the wilderness. But, if it heads to your shed or you live in a very built-up area, you’re going to want to call the professionals again.
While waiting for them to turn up you should watch the snake from a safe distance. This will allow you to tell the experts where it has gone.
On The Street–
Snakes on the street are a different matter as they can be a risk to almost anyone. The best thing you can do is call the” experts straightaway and explain the situation. They will appreciate it is urgent and get to you as quickly as possible.
While waiting, keep an eye on the snake and make sure anyone walking down the street stays away from it.
Adopting the above process makes it highly unlikely that you’ll get bitten. But, if you do, you should try to take a picture of the snake and ring the emergency services. This will help them to identify whether it is poisonous or not and give you the appropriate treatment.`