SNAKE REMOVAL

Did you know Alabama is home to more than 40 different species of snakes? Although snakes can be frightening to cross paths with, not all of them pose a threat to humans. In fact, there are only six species of snakes in Alabama that are venomous (poisonous), making the majority non-venomous (not poisonous). Venomous or not, finding a snake on your property can be frightening.

Warmer weather brings many critters out from hiding, including snakes. Snakes are a natural part of the ecosystem in Alabama, which means it’s likely that you will run across one in your yard or while exploring the outdoors, especially during the spring and summer months. Most of the time snakes are just passing through, never to be seen again. It’s important to familiarize yourself with local, non-venomous snakes so you can identify those that have the potential to harm you.

Snake Season: When to Call the Wildlife Professionals

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Why Snakes Might Hang out in Your Yard

Snakes are commonly found in residential areas, especially those near bodies of water, in newer developments that overtook woodlands and in rural locations. Even though it can be startling or scary to run across them unexpectedly, it’s normal for a snake to be in your yard.

Snakes seek shelter in areas with coverage, like in heavy vegetation, piles of leaves, under rocks and in cracks. Where there is shelter, there is usually a food source for snakes as well – this includes rodents, insects, amphibians, fish and even chickens and their eggs. If your yard features a natural or artificial water source, snakes may be drawn to it as they need water to survive.

Snakes of Alabama

Out of the 40 snake species in Alabama, only six species of snake are venomous. You will see snakes of different kinds everywhere from the Gulf Coast to the mountains in North Alabama. They range in size from the thickness of a pencil lead to lengths approaching eight feet. Snakes can be dangerous to people and venomous snakes pose a threat, as their venom is deadly if the person or pet doesn’t get immediate medical help after a snake bite. Below are the six venomous snake species located in Alabama.

Copperhead

Active from April through October, spending the rest of the year in dens

Can be found in most habitats associated with water

When threatened, the snake will elevate and curl the tip of their tail

Largest rattlesnake in the world

Their tiny rattle sounds like the buzz of an insect and can usually be heard no farther than three feet

Can live over 30 years

What To Do If You See a Snake at Home

We understand that snakes can be scary, especially to people who are unfamiliar with them or expect every snake to be venomous. This is why education and familiarization with local snake species is important. If you notice a snake in your yard and try to relocate it either on your own or through a wildlife removal specialist, the relocation is likely only a temporary solution. Snakes have home “ranges” that they travel in, and your yard is probably a part of its range, meaning it will likely make its way back.

Familiarize Yourself with Snake Species

Our team receives many calls about snakes in yards and homes, and we’re always happy to help our customers determine the best course of action for their wildlife issues. The best first step to take when it comes to dealing with snakes is preventive – take the time to learn about the snakes that live in your area, including what they look like and their behavior patterns, so you can feel more confident in determining if a snake could be a true threat to your family.

Do Not Touch

Recognize that seeing a snake in your yard is perfectly normal. Do not attempt picking the snake up, but rather watch it from a safe distance to ensure your safety. Snakes will typically vacate on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is a snake in my house. What should I do?

Stay calm, keep children and pets away, and do not attempt to handle or move the snake yourself. Most snakes found indoors are non-venomous and entered in search of food or shelter and will often vacate on their own. If the snake remains, try to monitor it from a safe distance and isolate it in a room if possible to make removal easier. Contact Go Pro Wildlife Removal and a trained specialist will safely remove the snake and inspect for the entry point that allowed it inside.

How do I identify if a snake is venomous in Alabama?

Alabama is home to more than 40 snake species, but only six are venomous: the copperhead, cottonmouth, eastern coral snake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake and timber rattlesnake. Venomous species generally have triangular-shaped heads and distinct color patterns. For example, coral snakes have red and yellow markings. If you cannot confidently identify a snake, treat it as potentially venomous and contact Go Pro Wildlife Removal rather than approaching it

Why do I keep finding snakes in my yard?

Snakes return to areas that offer food, water and shelter. If your yard has thick vegetation, wood piles, a water source or a rodent population, it is likely within a snake’s regular home range. Simply relocating a snake is usually a temporary fix, as it will often find its way back. Go Pro Wildlife Removal can inspect your property, identify what is attracting snakes and recommend exclusion measures to reduce the conditions that draw them in.

Where do snakes hide around a home?

Snakes commonly take shelter in thick shrubbery and leaf piles, under rocks or woodpiles, in crawl spaces and near any water source on the property including bird baths, pools and drainage areas. Inside a home, they are most often found in basements, crawl spaces and garages where they can access the structure through gaps as small as one-half inch. Eliminating food sources like rodents and reducing dense ground cover near the foundation are the most effective prevention steps.

Snake Removal