ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — With rising summer temperatures, snakes are becoming more active across Western North Carolina, prompting wildlife experts to urge the public to remain calm when encountering them and to avoid harming the reptiles.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission advises residents not to kill snakes, which play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent, slug and insect populations. Of the state’s 38 native snake species, 10 are listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern.
“Although seeing a snake can be alarming, many of the snakes commonly found in Western North Carolina, such as black rat snakes, garter snakes, milk snakes, ring-necked snakes, and eastern kingsnakes, are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans,” said Cassie Payne, education specialist with Friends of the WNC Nature Center. “With a little awareness and respect, it’s easy to coexist safely with these often misunderstood reptiles.”
Two venomous species are native to the region — the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. Both can be found at the WNC Nature Center. Wildlife experts recommend avoiding tall grass and dense brush, staying on marked trails and wearing long pants and boots to reduce the chances of a surprise encounter.
If you see a snake, remain calm and slowly back away. Do not try to catch or kill it, as this increases the risk of a bite. Snakes typically avoid humans and will move away when they sense footsteps or vibrations, Payne said.
In the event of a bite, wildlife officials advise staying calm to keep the heart rate down, moving away from the snake and removing tight clothing or jewelry near the bite area. Keep the affected limb below heart level and wash the wound with soap and water if possible. Try to note the snake’s color and markings to assist medical personnel with treatment decisions.
For rare or threatened species, such as rattlesnakes or the Northern pine snake, sightings can be reported to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission via the HerpMapper.org mobile app or by emailing a photo (if safely possible), GPS location and observation details to rattlesnake@ncwildlife.gov or using the NCWRC pine snake reporting tool.
Snakes are a vital part of North Carolina’s natural landscape, Payne said. By giving them space and appreciating them from a distance, we can support their survival and enjoy the outdoors more safely.
