Warmer days came with the month of May, and you might have noticed a few more small snakes while walking on trails in the woods, or even in the garden or in the backyard. Many snake species started emerging in late April, but now with the warmer weather, they are a bit more active. Typically seen is something like the eastern garter snake, perhaps one to two feet long, or maybe a tiny northern ring-necked snake, so small that they could easily coil up in the palm of your hand. These are only a couple of the many species of snakes that are in the region, however.

Pennsylvania is home to 21 species of snakes, while New York has 17 species. The more common snakes can be found in grass, along trails or roads, or along lake shores or creeks. All but three species of snakes found in both states are non-venomous. Of the three venomous snakes, the only one found in this region is the timber rattlesnake.

Snakes have had a lot of stigma attached to them, perhaps from movies, or from St. Patrick chasing the snakes out of Ireland; many people fear snakes, even the little ones. The fact is that most snakes want nothing to do with people and will hide or flee. Snakes might try to bite if handled, but non-venomous species have teeth so small that only the larger individuals cause pinprick-type wounds.

Rattlesnake sightings are infrequent, but if you spot one, simply stay away from it (eight feet away or better). You might hear the rattle before actually seeing the snake. A rattlesnake rattles if it feels threatened; discern where the rattle is coming from and then move away. Rattlesnakes, like other species of snakes, would rather flee when given the chance than engage in battle with us. 

Above all, don’t try to handle rattlesnakes; many of recent recorded rattlesnake injuries involve people who try to pick up or otherwise molest them. More facts and safety tips can be found from the PA Fish and Boat Commission at www.thetimberrattlesnake.com/safety.html.