Let’s talk about snakes and how a resident or property manager can identify the venomous vs. non-venomous and learn some valuable insights into the captivating world of these reptiles.
First, to educate a bit on snakes and debunk any myths about them. Snakes are misunderstood to be bitter and vengeful. But snakes are, in fact, shy, secretive animals. Most won’t use their venom unless it is prey they seek and rarely strike for no reason. When you encounter a snake, it is more scared than you are. The snake will try to get away as fast as possible. Some will rear back and flatten the head into a defensive display if they can’t escape, sometimes opening the mouth. If none of these tactics work, they may actively strike, but it is more of a bluff since most do not have the venom that is dangerous to humans. Most are harmless. The best advice is to leave it alone. As a property manager, avoid having piles of rocks, wood or other debris around the property. Keep the grass cut short. Have maintenance closely monitor cracks on concrete porches, sidewalks and storage sheds with space under the floor.
Local snake diversity and identification. We all know what a snake looks like, but many do not know the species. Various snake species can be found depending on the property’s region of the country. Knowledge of snake species can help property managers respond appropriately to snake-related situations.
Be sure to know the difference between venomous vs. non-venomous snakes. Venomous snakes belong to the pit viper family, including rattlesnakes, cottonmouth, copperheads, and coral snakes. Let’s not forget the famous rhyme for coral snakes—red touches black, safe for Jack, red touches yellow, dangerous fellow. Non-venomous snake species vary from state to state but include garter snakes, kingsnakes, milk snakes, racers and water snakes.
Western and southern states will have the most snake diversity, with Texas having the most—with 68 snake species. Identify the habitats of where most common snakes may be. For example, water snakes spend most of their time underwater, and green snakes prefer trees. Most prefer cool, dark and moist areas like gardens with mulch, basements, lofts, unkept lawns and abandoned lots or fields. Please educate yourself on pictures of common snakes in your area to know what snake it might be slithering by.
Ecological importance. Snakes play an integral role in the ecosystem and will be there to prey on those pesky rodents at your property. They control rodents better than hawks and cats since they can enter burrows and tight spaces where traps cannot be set. Snakes can play an essential role in the food chain. In Eastern U.S., timber rattlesnakes prey upon mice who are hosts to black-legged ticks. Those ticks are a vector for the bacterial infection Lyme disease. With these snakes, Lyme disease in the environment is reduced.
Snake pets. Before becoming a snake owner, check for exotic pet rules with the property manager or owner. Snakes are still living creatures who deserve a happy home environment. Be sure you learn about various cages and basking times they will require. Snakes are not your fluffy, wagging-the-tail, happy-you-are-home pet, but they live pleasant lives in captivity. Snakes may not have that emotional attachment to you like a dog or cat, but curling up in a ball on you or generally staying close to you for heat indicates that your snake is comfortable and relaxed with you. Snakes come with risks, which is an excellent reason to ensure you have a renter’s insurance plan in place, such as ResidentShield.
Snake conservation awareness event. If wanting to help with snake conservation, several nonprofits advocate for snake preservation. Contact a local one and have them come in for a happy hour at the property and have an educational workshop. Decorate with snake décor and have snake-themed refreshments and snacks. If you own a snake, have a snake birthday party and make some snakes on skewers with green grapes for the body and strawberries for the head. Dye some dough green and twist them to make snake breadsticks. Get creative and celebrate your wiggly friend in style.
Residents and property managers can promote a responsible coexistence with these fascinating creatures by fostering a better understanding of snakes.
