As some residents have already discovered, snake season is in full swing. As such, you might happen to spot one of these critters on your property.
In case you do have a close encounter, it’s important to know what you are dealing with and what resources are available to deal with it.
In recognition of World Snake Day (July 16), here are some facts to be aware of.
There are three major venomous snakes in Big Canoe: copperheads, rattlesnakes and water moccasins, according to Ricky Jordan, the director of Public Safety in Big Canoe.
Only six of the 42 snakes native to combined areas of Georgia and South Carolina area are venomous. Snakes seldom have any interest in biting humans unless threatened. They are otherwise important predators that help reduce the population of vermin such as rats.
We still don’t advise that you get close to any of these reptiles. Avoidance is the best policy when it comes to a snake. To find out how to steer clear of them, the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, a research unit of the University of Georgia, offered these safety tips.
If bitten by a venomous snake, the best thing to do is to remain calm and call 911. Jordan previously wrote in Inside the Gates that Piedmont Mountainside Hospital keeps on hand a supply of anti-venom, which is effective against the bites of all our poisonous snakes. In many cases, no anti-venom is needed.
The post A Brief Guide to our Local Snakes appeared first on Inside the Gates.