fbpx

#6. See a Snake? What to do and Resources for Identifying Snakes

*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means when you make a purchase, I get a commission at no cost to you! Read more about my affiliates on my Affiliate Links Disclaimer.

I grew up loving snakes, but I also grew up in an area with 0 venomous snakes. Since then I’ve lived alongside venomous snakes in Kenya, Gabon, and now North Carolina, where I see them on a near-regular basis.

But guess what? I still love them! The goal of this podcast is to hopefully get you to love them – or like them – or at least live with them.

Powered by RedCircle

Or listen on Apple, Spotify, or Google podcasts.

In this podcast, I go over:

  • My experiences being up close with copperheads and rattlesnakes
  • What to do when you see a snake
  • Who you can ask to identify a snake
  • What to do when you see a venomous snake
  • How many people die from snakebites (the answers may surprise you)
  • How most people get bit
  • Should you kill venomous snakes?
  • Should you relocate a venomous snake?
  • Do moth balls work to deter snakes?
  • And MORE!
See a snake? First identify it. If it's venomous, still leave it alone. I  saw this gorgeous timber rattlesnake Alligator River National Refuge in eastern NC.
See a snake? First identify it. If it’s venomous, still leave it alone. I saw this gorgeous timber rattlesnake Alligator River National Refuge in eastern NC.

Blog posts and resources mentioned

See a Snake? Here’s How You Can Get it Identified Fast:

Tweet Your Snake Photos to Dr. David Steen on Twitter for Identifications

Get David Steen’s Secrets of Snakes: The Science Beyond the Myth

Snake Identification Facebook Group

iNaturalist

Can you identify the venomous snakes in your area?

Other Resources:

World Health Organization on Snake Bites Worldwide

How You (And Your Dog) Can Avoid Snake Bites — And What To Do If You Get Bitten

Keeping Snakes Away: Advice from a Wildlife Biologist

Herpetology (REPTILES) with David Steen on the Ologies Podcast

Cute Snakes

Baby North American taken by John Friel.
Baby North American taken by John Friel.
Cute ring-necked snake.
Cute ring-necked snake. Plus it has rainbow shimmers! Photo by Eric Buchert.
Water snake during a feeding trial. Photo by SWFL Turtle Project.
I love this snake’s expression. Water snake during a feeding trial. Photo by SWFL Turtle Project.
Hog-nosed snake all curled up.
Hog-nosed snake all curled up. I love this photo by Sarah Tatum.
Black-collared racer. Check out how small this snake is! Photo by Chris Beirne.
Black-collared racer. Check out how small this snake is! Photo by Chris Beirne.
Bubblegum, the educational "animal ambassador" snake. She changed the minds of lots of students and even some teachers) who thought snakes were scary.
Bubblegum, the educational “animal ambassador” snake. She changed the minds of lots of students and even some teachers) who thought snakes were scary. She is a leucistic northern brown/DeKay’s snake. Photo by Allison Terlacher.
Rat snake drinking water!  Photo by @Tropicexposure.
Rat snake drinking water! Photo by @Tropicexposure.
Cute gartner snake in Sue's backyard. she named this more yellow one Elvira. Photo by @cameratrapsue.
Cute garter snake in Sue’s backyard. she named this more yellow one Elvira. Photo by @cameratrapsue.
Eastern Natal green snake from South Africa.  In Zulu culture, these snakes are believed to be the ancestors so if you find one around your home it's good luck. Photo by Amy Panikowski.
Eastern Natal green snake from South Africa. In Zulu culture, these snakes are believed to be the ancestors so if you find one around your home it’s good luck. Photo by Amy Panikowski.

Love this post? Share it with friends!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

.

I understand that inbox can be a lot and I respect your decision. If there’s anything you’d like to share or discuss with me in the future, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

.

I understand that inbox can be a lot and I respect your decision. If there’s anything you’d like to share or discuss with me in the future, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

.

Before we say our goodbye, I want to remind you that you have been an essential part of my journey. If there’s anything you’d like to share or discuss with me in the future, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

.
online course

Join the Free Training

And get the 100+ Job Titles .PDF FREE!

Join the Waitlist

Free Download

The Ultimate Organizer
to Discover the Right Wildlife
Job for You

GIVE IT TO ME