Many species are shy and will not bother you if you don’t bother them. If you see a snake watch it from a distance. Making sure mice aren’t attracting snakes into your home is important, but remember not to use glue traps or poison as snakes and other animals may also be harmed or killed. In colder weather, they may seek shelter in a warm home, or be searching for food. Snakes will enter homes for one of two reasons. Be conscious of the species that live around you and learn to identify common ones. Learn myth from fact and respect the job they have in nature. The best way we can coexist with snakes is to better understand them. Fortunately, the two venomous species in the Hudson Valley, the Northern copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen ) and the Timber rattlesnake ( Crotalus horridus ), are not typically found in Westchester County.Īs with all wildlife, the goal is to coexist with snakes with whom we share the same space. All three of these species are non-venomous and harmless to humans. The most common species in Westchester County are the Eastern garter snake ( Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis ), Northern black rat snake ( Pantherophis obsoletus ) and the Northern water snake ( Nerodia sipedon ). Here in New York, we have 17 native species of snakes. With tick-borne illnesses on the rise, snakes provide a chemical-free, natural way to control the mouse population. A big benefit to humans is many snakes’ propensity to consume mice, a common carrier of ticks. The presence of snakes is seen as a sign of good ecological health. Snakes, as predators, are important to keeping balance in the food web and are nature’s own pest control. In fact, snakes are beneficial in our suburban communities. Here in Westchester County, however, there is little need for concern when it comes to our slithery neighbors. It may be their predatory nature, the way they slither, or how they are portrayed in myths, folktales and movies. There are many reasons people fear snakes. Ring-necked snakes are secretive, nocturnal snakes, so are rarely seen during the day time. Rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths and coral snakes are all considered pit vipers. Diadophis punctatus, commonly known as the ring-necked snake or ringneck snake, is a harmless species of colubrid snake found throughout much of the United States, central Mexico, and south-eastern Canada. This can help them appear more dangerous to potential predators. However, some non-venomous snakes can mimic the triangular shape of non-venomous snakes by flattening their heads. For many people, seeing a snake in their backyard or on a hike is scary and disconcerting, especially when they have pets and children. The shape of a venomous snake's head may deter predators. It may display black dots or a faint light stripe on the back. As the spring weather warms up, animals, including snakes, are becoming more active. It has smooth gray or reddish brown scales with a white belly.
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