Good snakes? Bad snakes? Here’s what to know about them

If you take a look at social media this time of year, you will likely see a bevy of posts from folks with photos of s snake they’ve just encountered, usually asking the question, “Id this a good snake or a bad snake?”

The truthful answer to that question is that there really aren’t any “bad” snakes, as all of them serve a purpose in the ecosystem, but the question typically centers on venomous snakes v. non-venomous snakes. So let’s clear that up.

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What to know about local snakes

Just about all of us have encountered a snake at some point — whether it is in the woods while hiking, in our yards, in the water or just about anywhere (snakes really can hide almost anywhere) — but our lack of knowledge about snakes tends to evoke fear, which often leads to the death of the snake by human means.

Of the 47 species of snake commonly found in Alabama, only six types are venomous snakes:

• timber rattlesnake
• pigmy rattlesnake
• cottonmouth (or water moccasin)
• coral snake
• eastern diamondback
• copperhead

According to a report by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, all snakes can bite (although not all will) and often don’t unless they feel threatened.

Identifying a venomous snake is not particularly easy, however. Here are a few pointers:

• Rattlesnakes: Can be identified by the noise-making rattle located on the tip of the tail that produces a buzzing noise when vibrated.
• Copperheads: Have large triangular, brown heads with two small spots on the top, pupils with slits, and tan-colored bodies with hourglass-shaped details running along the body.
• Water moccasins: Can be completely brown or black, have dark bands running along a brown or yellowish body, and adults typically retain a darker color than the more brightly colored juvenile snakes.
• Coral snakes: Often misidentified, these snakes have black and yellow bands alternating throughout the entire body. Use the phrase “red on yellow, you’re a dead fellow. Red on black, you’re okay, Jack,” to easily distinguish between common imitators.

The common reaction when encountering a snake is fear, and understandable so, according to Frankie Ferguson of Alabama Snake Removers. But he added that humans and snakes need to co-exist.

“Sharing our living spaces with wildlife can sometimes be a cause for concern, especially when it comes to encountering snakes. In Alabama, where a diverse range of snake species reside, it’s essential to promote peaceful coexistence between humans and these reptiles.”

Frankie Ferguson, Alabama Snake Removers

If you see a snake on your property that you view as a threat, try contacting a snake removal service. This free service can find a removal near you.

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