Experts address snake season concerns

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — With snake season upon us, experts are sharing what to look out for if you spot a snake near or in your home as well as the steps you should take.

Birmingham Zoo Reptile Manager, Andy Scott said Alabama has a total of 50 native snakes, 6 of which are venomous in Central Alabama. He said you may likely spot three of them.

“The most common would-be copperheads. After that cottonmouths, and then sometimes timber rattlesnakes,” said Scott.

As the temperature outdoors rise, people are more likely to spot a snake.

“Warmer days they’re going to be out or if it’s really, really hot, like in the heat of August, they’re going to be out more in the evenings. So, like, going out to your driveway to take your trash out you’ll probably want to wear shoes cause to a snake a driveway is just a big warm rock to take a nap on,” said Scott.

Scott said they typically won’t bother you, but if you see one on a walk, hike or near your home he said don’t engage.

“The best thing you can do is give it space. No matter what they’re still there to be a pest control animal. They don’t want to hurt you. They will defend themselves just like any other animal but the best thing you can do is just give them their space and be respectful of them,” said Scott.

Experts say if you just can’t live with it, call for a safe removal.

Alabama Snake Removers is one local resources.

“We offer a service of unwanted snakes, unneeded snakes, however you may look at it from people’s property. Whether it be their home businesses or even the park. If it’s a public park and we know that there are a lot of children that frequent the area and we see that there’s a couple of copperheads, then we’ll dispatch a guy because we know it’s a public safety hazard and we just try to do our best to help our neighbor,” said Mark Hay.

Scott and Hay said keeping your grass cut short and removing debris can help keep snakes out of your yard.