Transcript Forest & Wildlife Program Part I: Snakes & Other Reptiles

Maryland Cooperative Extension
Understanding Snakes
Boo!
Terry E. Poole
Extension Agent
Frederick County
Reviewed By:
Jonathan Kays
Regional Extension Specialist
Raymond Bosmans
Regional Extension Director
Unfortunately many of us are
terrified of snakes.
The problem began long ago.
It seems that ever since that unfortunate
encounter with the serpent in the Garden of
Eden, many of us have remained afraid of
snakes.
Myths About Snakes
Snakes can bite their tails and roll like a
wheel.
NO!
Snakes have the ability to hypnotize their
prey.
NO!
More Snake Myths
Milk snakes received their name, because
they have been known to suck milk directly
from a cow’s udder.
NO!
Puff adders mix poison with their breath milk
and can kill a person at a distance of 25 feet.
NO!
More Snake Myths
Old snakes have hair on them.
NO!
Snakes sway to the music of the flute.
NO!
More Snake Myths
Snakes are vengeful!
NO!
Snakes are slimy.
NO!
More Snake Myths
Snakes can only strike when coiled.
NO!
Some snakes have stingers on their tail.
NO!
More Snake Myths
Rattlesnakes add a new link to their rattle
every year.
NO!
Snakes can chew their food.
NO!
All snakes are poisonous and use it to kill
their prey.
NO!
More Snake Myths
A snake’s fangs can be removed.
Yes and No!
All snakes lay eggs.
NO!
Mortally wounded snakes won’t die until
sundown.
NO!
What are these snakes?
Are they poisonous?
Garter Snakes
They are non-venomous.
Oh no!
Is this another garter snake?
Yes it is another garter snake. They can
come in various shades and colors.
What are these snakes?
Are they poisonous?
Corn Snakes
They are non-venomous.
What is this snake?
I bet that you think this one is poisonous!
This is a corn snake too. They can vary in
color.
It too is non-venomous.
What is this snake?
Should you fear it?
Eastern Milk Snake
No, it is non-venomous.
Do you know this snake?
Have you seen it around here?
Coral Snake
It is very venomous, “Red touch yellow,
kill a fellow”.
It can be found in south Florida.
What is this cute little snake?
Do you think that it is dangerous?
Ring-neck Snake
It is non-venomous..
What are these snakes?
They are scary looking, are they dangerous?
Black Rat Snakes
They are non-venomous and are good
snakes to have around the farm.
Baby Black Rat Snake
Black Rat Snakes will climb
They will climb trees and feed on birds.
They have been known to climb up a brick
wall.
They will climb up into the rafters of the
barn.
This is how snakes eat their food.
All snakes swallow their food whole.
There are no vegetarian snakes.
Excuse me, I can’t talk
with my mouth full.
What is this black snake?
Black Racer
It is non-venomous. But it has a
nasty temper.
Oh no, not
again!
What are these snakes?
Are they dangerous?
King Snakes
They are non-venomous.
They love to eat other snakes.
Note: Beware
of snake crossing
This should be an easy snake to name.
Do you think that it is venomous?
Rough Green Snake
It’s a harmless little snake found around
the area.
Northern Water Snake
This snake prefers permanently aquatic
habitats.
It will flatten its head when threatened and
will strike and bite when molested.
It is not venomous.
Note that it will vary in color.
Baby
Eastern Hognose Snake
This common snake can vary greatly in
appearance.
If threatened it spreads its neck like a cobra
and hiss. If that fails it rolls over, plays
dead, and emits a foul, rotted flesh odor.
It feeds mostly on toads and is mildly
venomous, but no threat to people.
Playing Dead
Enjoying a Fat Toad
This is how you can tell the
difference between venomous and
nonvenomous snakes.
Arrow
Rounder
Cat
Round
Do you know this snake?
Is it poisonous?
Copperhead
Yes, it is venomous.
Rat
Tail
This is a feared snake in our area.
Another look at the Copperhead
Oh no!
Recognize this snake?
Doesn’t it look a lot like the baby black snake?
This is a baby copperhead.
Note the yellow tip on the tail.
It is still venomous.
Note the hour
glass markings
Baby Black Rat Snake
What are these snakes?
Yes, it’s a nest of baby copperheads.
Note
These snakes are rare, but can be
found in this area, what are they?
Timber Rattlesnakes
Yes, they are very venomous and are
considered to be the most dangerous
snakes around here.
What are these snakes?
Can they be found around here?
Cotton Mouth Water Moccasins
They are not found around here. You need
to go farther south into southern Virginia.
They are very venomous.
They can be found around swampy areas.
Note the cottony mouth.
What should you do if you see a snake?
Kill it.
Scream and run away.
Call the Crocodile Hunter.
Leave it alone and move away.
Capture and remove it.
Thank you and good luck
with your snakes!
Hey, look
behind
you!
I bet that
you think
this is a
real snake.