About Joseph Glenn Expertise I can answer most questions concerning snakes of the Southeastern United States. My largest area of interest and expertise is in the morphology(form and physical structure), behavior, home range, and life cycles of species native to the Carolinas. I can also provide some information about what to do when you encounter a snake on your property. I do not, however, know much about husbandry or veterinary care, but I am always willing to help you find the answers you need.
Experience I am a biology student, naturalist, and an amateur herpetologist who has made many field observations of the snakes of the Carolinas. I conduct my own "snake hunts" every spring and summer in order to learn as much as possible about native species, as well as to challenge my own abilities to locate and identify the animals I love the most. I have read many books, journals, and articles about snakes and feel that this has given me a fairly broad knowledge of the world of snakes. I have also volunteered in the Herpetology Lab at the Natural Science Center of Greensboro, North Carolina, working as a hands-on reptile educator and gaining even more knowledge every time I worked.
Organizations North Carolina Herpetological Society
American Society of Icthyologists and Herpetologists
Question We have a snake problem. We live in the Ozark Mountains, our house is surrounded by woods on three sides.
We have been here three springs now and each year it gets worse! The snakes become more and the size increases!
Mostly we have ringnecks and king snakes, I know these are not harmful, but there are harmful ones in the area and I feel it is just a matter of time.
Yesterday a BIG kingsnake came up and ate a little birdie. (the birds had just left the nest for the first time, it was so sad, the mom just hovered over it chirping)
I know this is nature, but I don't want to invite them in. Last year there was a ringneck snake IN THE HOUSE!
We have been spraying to minimize bugs thinking that if we minimize bugs, then that will lower the frogs (which we have alot of also) and then lower the snake population. Has not helped.
Just wondering if there is any suggestions? I am not actually terrified of snakes but am finding myself getting nervous just going outside.
Thanks.
P.S. My husband and I agree that animals of any kind should not be killed if they are not doing anything wrong (striking, attacking etc) so we hoping for prevention not a way to kill them.
Answer Hello. I apologize for not responding to your question sooner. I have been without internet access for a couple of days. This is a tough problem to fix, but I am very glad that you and your husband are so understanding, as far as knowing how important snakes are to natural environments. You understand that you can't just kill all of the snakes in order to make your lives easier, and I applaude you for that. If more people knew this, then there would be fewer species of animals (not just snakes) that are placed on the threatened and endangered species lists. Unfortunately, I do not have a definite answer for you, however I can provide you with a few ideas that might bring you and your family into less contact with the snakes around your home:
My first piece of advice would be to have you contact a represenative in your area from the Missouri Department of Conservation. You obviously have a severe wildlife problem, and this would be the first place I would tell you to contact. I actually grew up in Northwest Missouri, and the MDC is a wonderful group of people to work with. Missouri is so lucky to have such a strong organization as this. If you decide to have any animals removed from your property, or to place any traps on your property, it would definately be in your best interest to let them know ahead of time. Not only can they tell you which animals you are allowed to remove or trap, but they may also be able to assist you in doing so. They will also answer any questions you may have about wildlife laws in your area. Your local MDC contact is below:
Missouri Department of Conservation
P.O. Box 138
551 Joe Jones Blvd.
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-7161
If the MDC tells you that a certain species of snake is federally protected, and you are having problems with this type of snake on your property, you may contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at this number:
1-800-344-WILD
Another good group to get in contact with would be the United States Department of Agriculture. The contact for Missouri is as follows:
Ed Hartin, Missouri Wildlife Services State Director
1714 Commerce Court, Suite C
Columbia, MO 65202
(573) 449-3033
Toll Free: 1-866-4USDAWS
E-mail: edwin.hartin@aphis.usda.gov
www.aphis.usda.gov/ws
Once you have found out about the wildlife laws regarding the snakes on your property, you may want to have a professional wildlife remover come to your home. Although they will not be able to solve your problem completely, they should be able to take care of a snake that is too close for comfort, such as in your home, garage, or yard. Whatever you do, DO NOT try to remove a snake by yourself unless you are absolutely sure of what type of snake it is and that it is not venomous. A professional snake remover has the correct training and equipment to remove venomous species.
Removal is of course not a definite answer to your problem, so another suggestion I would have for you would be to "snake proof" your home. This can be done by making sure that all cracks and crevases in the walls around your home are seeled, all windows are kept shut in warm weather, and the grass around your home is kept short (I know this is probably more difficult than it sound, considering you live in the middle of the Ozark Mountains and are surroumded by trees). Spraying for bugs is a good start, but have a pest control agent come to your home and check for mice, rats, and other things that might be potential food for snakes. I am almost definite that they are there if you live in the woods, and although they also will not be totally eliminated, the decrease in their numbers should cause a decrease in the snakes around your home.
I know that this advice must seem like stuff that you have already went over a thousand times before, but the reason I can only give you this advice is because there is no simple solution. To be rather blunt about it, nature was there first. I am not trying to be rude to you by saying that, but that is really what it boils down to. The only way to be truly happy with where you live is to learn to coexist with the other living things around you. You may decide that this isn't so bad after a while, or you may decide that you cannot handle it at all and move a few years from now. It is really a personal choice you and your family will have to make. Whatever you decide to do about this problem, just make sure you do not lose your love for wildlife. I can tell that you and your husband are very passionate about animals and nature, and I hope that you do not let this bad experience ruin that for you. In the mean time, try some of the contacts I have given you and see where they can lead you in your quest to take back your home.
