I always find the wide variety of reactions my clients have after snake sightings amusing. Some are deathly afraid of them, others want to kill them, and a select few like having them around to help manage the rodent population around barns and other buildings. Like most wildlife, if you leave snakes alone, they will leave you alone. Regardless of your thoughts on snakes, it is important to understand how to identify the difference between a harmless, beneficial snake, and a potentially dangerous venomous snake.

Yes, believe it or not, snakes can be very beneficial. Each year, I find evidence that a rat snake or two has shed its skin in the shed behind my house. Guess what? I never see mice or rats in the area during the warm season when snakes are active. Furthermore, some nonvenomous snakes such as the king snake are ophiophagous, meaning they actually hunt and eat other snakes.

Still, venomous snakes can be dangerous, especially if they are in an area where your children or pets frequent. We have about 40 species of snakes in Alabama, but only six are venomous. Out of these six, you are only likely to encounter five: the diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, copperhead, and cottonmouth. These snakes all belong to the pit viper group. The sixth venomous snake is the coral snake which is a relative of the cobra, and it is found in the lower coastal plain and spends most of its time underground.

The best way to tell harmless snake from a venomous snake is to look at the head. Venomous pit vipers are going to have flat, triangular heads while other snakes are going to have an oval, elongated head. You can also look at their eyes. Pit vipers have vertical “cat like” pupils, while other snakes will have a round pupil. Below are some of the more common snakes that you may encounter here in North Alabama:

Timber rattlesnake

Large, venomous snake common to sparsely settled forested areas. Feeds on rodents and occasional birds.

Copperhead

Medium-sized venomous snake that prefers forested areas with rocky bluffs or abandoned farms. Like many snakes the pattern is variable, but is usually tan to brown with darker cross bands. Feeds on small mammals, frogs, lizards, and insects. One of the most common venomous snakes in North Alabama.

Cottonmouth

Larger, heavy-bodied venomous snake. Adults are variable in color, ranging from solid dark gray to black and tan with spots. Common to wetlands, ponds, rivers, and lakes statewide. Feeds on a variety of prey including insects, fish, frogs, lizards, and more. There are seven species of harmless water snakes often mistaken for cottonmouths.

Black rat snake

Large, nonvenomous snake that is commonly found in rafters and trees. Plain black coloration with a lighter underside. Common in a variety of habitats, and feeds on rodents and birds. Also called a chicken snake.

Black racer

Long, slender, nonvenomous snake common to open forests and field edges. Plain black coloration. Will often quickly flee when approached.

Eastern garter snake

Small to medium nonvenomous snake, found in a variety of habitats across Alabama. Commonly found around houses and garden. Gray coloration with 3 yellow stripes running down their back. Feed on a variety of small prey including insects, small rodents, and amphibians.

The best way to keep your home snake free is to simply clean up around your yard. Any piles of firewood, lumber, rocks or unused equipment can make a great place for a snake to hunt for prey. Long grass, weeds, and un-tamed shrubs also make great snake habitat. Unfortunately, the varieties of snake repellents available have not been proven to be effective. Snakes are simply a fact of life in North Alabama, especially if you live in the country.

For more information on topics related to the home or garden, contact any office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.   The Limestone County Office is located at 1109 W. Market St. in Athens and office hours are 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. To find out more, call 256-232-5510 or visit www.aces.edu.

— Spenser Bradley is a    Regional Extension agent for the Alabama Cooperative      Extension System. He serves seven counties in the Tennessee Valley Region and specializes in forestry, wildlife, and natural resources management.