It can be unsettling to encounter unexpected critters in our surroundings, especially if it’s a poisonous snake! Just ask the mother of a girl who had a horrific incident in her backyard on the day of her seventh-grade graduation.
She was attempting to photograph her daughter sitting next to a tree when she felt a chill. Her daughter was smiling for the camera when a snake emerged from the tree! Fortunately, the mother and daughter were not injured despite being shocked.
“The snake was terrifying, so I took two pictures when I saw it. The mother said, “I was remarkably calm when I asked her to back off, but I think she read right into my expression.”
Seeing a snake can be unnerving for everyone. Keep your cool and don’t panic. Remember that, depending on the species, snakes can be harmful. So, what should one do if they encounter a snake?
Give the snake some space, first and foremost. The wisest course of action is to leave them be. If you can safely identify the species, you must know how to do so. This can help you figure out how far away from the snake you should stay. However, attempting to handle or trap a wild snake is extremely risky and could prove lethal for both people.
When confronted with a snake up close, carefully back away until you reach a safe distance. By keeping an eye on it from a distance, you can ensure that those around you are likewise safe.
Once you’re at a safe distance, contact local wildlife officials for assistance. They have the expertise to handle the situation and ensure that the snake is either healed if injured or returned to its native environment.
It is critical to remember that snakes are an integral component of their habitats and should never be harmed unless absolutely necessary. When you give these species space, you are defending both yourself and their well-being.
If you want to learn more about snakes, there are numerous online resources and publications created by professional herpetologists. Knowing the types of snakes that live in your area will help you recognize them more quickly and take appropriate action if you encounter one. Remember that living in harmony with nature needs you to respect the snake’s role in the ecosystem as well as your own safety!
