Are snakes in my yard and home dangerous?
Snakes live in a variety of habitats, from forests and swamps to grasslands and deserts. In urban and suburban areas, they are drawn to wood piles, stone walls, gardens, and sometimes sheds, garages, and basements – especially if they can find rodents and insects there. Snakes play an important role in the ecosystem by keeping insect and rodent populations in balance, and as such lawns and gardens can benefit from their presence. Some species can even prevent the spread of disease to people, pets, and livestock by feeding on rodent and insect carriers.
Very few snakes – especially those in urban/suburban areas – are venomous (or poisonous). Ninety percent of all snake species are NOT venomous.
Snakes rely on the environment to regulate their body temperature. That is why you may see them stretched out on rocks during the summer, or in caves, woodpiles, and other, less ideal spaces – like basements, sump pumps, and walls – to keep cool.
Call your doctor immediately if you are bitten by a snake. If you suspect the snake is venomous, call 911 and do not try to suck the venom out. It is best not to try to touch or handle a snake if you are unsure if it is venomous, and doing so may be illegal in your state.
