What Should I Do When I Encounter a Snake on My Property?

There are thousands of species of snakes found all over the planet. However, the odds of meeting one are low in most situations, especially those situations in which it would not be desirable (or legal) to engage with the animal.

But what can you do when you are in a situation where you must interact with a snake? What is the best action to take when meeting one? Read on as we discuss the proper way to handle a snake.

Understanding Snake Behavior

Before we can properly discuss the methods we should use to handle a snake, we must first understand the basic behavior of snakes. Some of the most important things to understand are the following:

Snakes are highly territorial - They don't like being bothered or "invaded" by other animals or people. This makes them quite defensive, and defensive animals should be dealt with cautiously.

Snakes are mostly uncaring about human contact - That is, most snakes don't mind being handled by people. They are not unlike an 80-pound rat. Most snakes don't mind being held or carried around by people, as long as they are not harmed.

Snakes are creatures of the night - They do their hunting at night and spend their days somewhere warm. This is why you rarely see a snake during the day. They will also hide in small, dark places. This is why snakes are often found in sheds and garages, and other similar areas.

What to Do When Encountering a Snake

1. Assess the Situation

There are many factors that need to be considered when you encounter a snake. You must first assess what kind of snake it is. If it is a venomous or dangerous snake, you need to know whether it is defensive or aggressive. If it displays these traits, you must take the necessary measures to avoid being attacked. The best way to achieve this is to remain calm and prepare to act accordingly.

2. Read the Snake's Body Language

Experts say that more than 70% of the communication between snakes and humans is through body language. This means that you need to be able to read the nonverbal signs of the snake in order to properly respond to the situation. When you encounter a snake, observe its posture and body language. If you notice it is aggressive and defensive, do not try to engage with it. It is better to leave the area as quickly as possible or retreat to a safer location.

3. Leave the Snake Alone

At the risk of sounding redundant, I strongly urge that you leave the snake alone. The best thing to do is to walk away and leave it alone. Most experts agree that it is best to avoid contact with a snake. Some snakes are more defensive than others, and you need to be able to pick up on the signs of defensive behavior to avoid being attacked.

4. Be Careful About What You Do

When you encounter a snake, it is best to avoid "poking" it or "bothering" it in any way. Never try to capture a snake or transport it in any way. You need to treat the snake like you would any other wild animal or pest. It's also important to remember that you should never do anything to antagonize a snake. It is better to leave the snake alone rather than risk injury or death.

5. Once you Leave the Area, Call a Professional

If you do decide to try to deal with the snake yourself, please note that you need to have experience and the proper tools. Never try to capture or transport a snake yourself. Instead, call the right professionals and let them handle the situation.

Conclusion

It is smart to avoid messing with snakes. They are wild animals, and you never know how they are going to react. The best policy is to let the snake alone and call a professional. If you are not comfortable with the rates they charge, simply call another professional. There is no sense in risking your life to save a few bucks.

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