Warmer weather draws out snakes

BOWLING GREEN Ky.- As the weather in South-Central Kentucky warms up, it’s perfect for going outdoors. The warmer weather is also drawing out snakes. They’ll want to slither out and take cover in patches of tall grass.

Throughout the year, Kentucky Down Under zookeeper Harley White works with snakes regularly. And she has some advice if you want to avoid any snakes that might be hiding on your property.

“You’re going to want to stay away from any brush piles or any old junk that’s laying around. Anything that might be good cover for snake to hide in, that’s where they’ll be hiding out and staying cool,” White said.

While snakes prefer to stay away from people, White recommends that the grass near homes is kept short, to lower the chance of a slithery visitor.

“It is a good idea to keep your grass cut pretty short so you can see what’s in there so nothing is hiding. That’s definitely a good idea,” White said.

Not all snakes are venomous, and there are various ways to tell, as biology will vary if the snake is venomous.

It’s recommended that all snakes be left alone, venomous or not. Keeping the reptiles safe is also important, as they provide a service to humans as well.

“Snakes that are not venomous are going to help keep the mouse and rodent population down. If you stay out of their way, they’ll stay out of your way. Give it some space, move your stuff around, and let it go about its day,” White said.

According to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, venomous snakes that call Kentucky home are the copperhead, cottonmouth timber rattlesnake, and the pigmy rattlesnake.