Date: 05/13/09
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 485-5127 x3500

IT’S GOOD WEATHER FOR SNAKES

It’s that time of year when people like to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, but chances are they won’t be alone when they do. While the weather is pleasant for us, it’s also inviting to local wildlife, especially reptiles. This makes spring a great time to enjoy the scaly critters that call southern Nevada home.

“The most common reptiles people are going to see here in southern Nevada are lizards. You’ll see a lot of whiptail lizards, side blotch lizards or possibly a few desert horned lizards. As far as snakes go the most common snake that you’ll see during the day is the red racer, also known as the coachwhip. You won’t see most of the other snakes unless you are out at night.” said Polly Conrad, a herpetologist with the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

While most people enjoy seeing lizards, they generally aren’t too excited about seeing a snake. In fact, you would probably be safe in saying that many people are afraid of snakes, and that fear often leads to an abrupt end for the snake.

“For the most part, I find that people are afraid of most snakes, and unfortunately a lot of non-venomous snakes are killed unnecessarily because people think they are venomous,” said Conrad. “In Nevada, as far as our native snakes go, if it doesn’t have rattles it’s not a rattlesnake and it isn’t venomous. And if it’s not venomous you don’t have to worry about it.”

Non-venomous snakes can and sometimes do bite when they feel threatened, so don’t attempt to pick them up. If a person is bitten appropriate first aid steps should be taken as soon as possible. Of course people generally won’t be bitten if they leave the snake alone. Most rattlesnake bites are on the hand because they occur when people are harassing or trying to catch the snake, Conrad said. When out in the desert, or even in your backyard, don’t reach into small crevices, holes or burrows. That’s where snakes like to rest and seek shelter from the heat, she added.

Every year NDOW receives numerous calls from people who are sure the snake they saw in the neighborhood or on a nearby desert lot is a rattlesnake, but Conrad said that is usually not the case. “Most of the reported rattlesnakes are not rattlesnakes at all and pose little threat to human beings,” she said, while expressing concern about the number of non-venomous snakes that are killed by people who mistake them for rattlesnakes. One species that is commonly mistaken for a rattlesnake is the bull snake or gopher snake. This non-venomous snake has been known to mimic a rattlesnake by flattening its head to a triangular shape an inflating its body to appear larger.

Conrad is quick to point out that snakes of all species help to keep the rodent numbers in check, but she understands why people are concerned when it comes to rattlesnakes.

“I definitely understand that if somebody finds a rattlesnake near a school, in their yard or around children they would feel the need to get rid of that threat. It’s something that needs to be addressed. There is cause for concern,” said Conrad. “However, when you are in the outdoors, there is really no need to kill them. I would really only consider them a threat if they are in a public use area, and I don’t mean out in a state park somewhere. I mean in your backyard, in a school play area or maybe on a golf course. And even on a golf course if it’s a big enough area if you leave it alone it’ll be on its way.”

Conrad said the best thing to do if you come across a rattlesnake while in the outdoors is to give it room. “Go back the way you came, go around or stand back and let the snake move away. A 10-foot radius is more than enough room to safely walk around a rattlesnake. Don’t handle it. Don’t mess with it. Don’t try to move it. Don’t touch it. If you want to take a picture that’s ok, but maintain a safe distance.” She also recommends keeping your dog on a leash. “Particularly curious dogs are at the most risk. If the dog gets bitten take it to the vet immediately.”

When are you most likely to come across a rattlesnake? That depends on where you are in the state and the time of year. “It’s really temperature dependent. When it’s hotter out, like the middle of the summer, you are going to see them in the early morning or in the middle of the night. This time of year (spring) you are going to find them out most of the day,” said Conrad. More information about venomous and non- venomous snakes can be found online at www.ndow.org/wild/concerns/safety/snake/index.shtm.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.