Ophidiophobia. Have you ever heard of that term before?
It’s the term for a fear of snakes, and it’s one of the most common phobias, affecting up to 3% of all adults. Even if you’re not terrified of them, roughly half of us report feeling anxious about snakes at any given point.
Here in Virginia, DC, and Maryland, there are dozens of snakes slithering through our backyards and forests. While most of these species are completely harmless, there are a few Virginia venomous snakes you need to know about.
Whether you’re hiking through Shenandoah National Park or simply tidying up your backyard, knowing how to spot these snakes and what to do if you encounter one is essential.
Meet Virginia’s Venomous Snakes
Believe it or not, Virginia is home to 32 different species of snakes. The good news? Only three of them are venomous, all of them belonging to the pit viper family. Here’s a brief introduction to each:
Copperhead
The copperhead is Virginia’s most common venomous snake and is found around the entire state. It’s easily identifiable by its copper-colored body and hourglass-shaped markings. Copperheads prefer to hang out in forests, rocky areas, and around the edges of streams, making them frequent residents of backyards and woodpiles.
Their bite can be painful, and in some cases, may lead to complications, but it’s rarely fatal. That’s because the venom of the copperhead is used primarily for hunting small prey rather than defending itself against humans (although it will when forced to).
Timber Rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is less common here in Virginia and is mostly restricted to the western part of the state, though a subspecies, the canebrake rattlesnake, can be found in southeastern Virginia.
These shy, reclusive snakes rely on their signature rattle to warn intruders before striking. Timber rattlesnakes prefer forests and mountainous regions, where they blend in with their surroundings (thanks to their brown and tan patterned scales).
Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
If you spend any amount of time roaming Virginia’s southeastern Coastal Plain, you might have the opportunity to spot a cottonmouth, also known as a water moccasin. These snakes are typically found near swamps, lakes, and streams. Since they’re semi-aquatic snakes, they’re equally comfortable in water and on land.
Curious where the name “cottonmouth” comes from? It has to do with the white coloration inside the snake’s mouth, which it displays as a warning.
Other Snakes You Might Encounter in Virginia
Beyond these three venomous snake species, there are dozens of other species you might encounter in Virginia. Again, however, most are harmless and are actually beneficial, helping to control pest populations.
Black rat snakes can often be seen slithering around barns, while eastern garter snakes sun themselves in gardens.
All in all, these snakes are great for keeping rodent populations in check, and play an integral role in maintaining our ecosystems. If you spot one, don’t panic! It’s likely a friend, not a foe.
Telling the Difference Between Virginia’s Venomous Snakes and Harmless Look-Alikes
Now, while there are plenty of non-venomous snakes here in Virginia (many more than those that actually wish to cause you harm), we understand you’re not a herpetologist (that’s a fancy word for someone who studies snakes and other reptiles for a living).
Knowing the difference between the different types of snakes in Virginia can quite literally save your life, but if you’re not an expert, you probably won’t know the difference at first glance. That’s why it’s so important to partner with an expert wildlife removal service, like Connor’s Pest Pros, to help you figure out what you’re up against.
For the most part, venomous snakes share their habitats with non-venomous ones, so that won’t be a dead giveaway as you’re trying to figure out what kind of species is underfoot.
However, remember that since all of Virginia’s venomous snakes belong to the pit viper family, a good way to tell them apart might be to look at their heads. All of Virginia’s venomous snakes have heat-sensing pits near their nostrils, along with triangular heads and elliptical pupils (they look like those of cats). Non-venomous snakes typically have rounded pupils and heads.
Most harmless snake species also have subtler markings compared to their deadlier counterparts. The copperhead, for instance, has a distinct pattern on its body so you’ll likely notice it right away. Give it a wide berth!
What to Do if You Spot a Venomous Snake
If you do spot a snake, regardless of whether you think it might be venomous, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and back away. Give the snake plenty of space and call Connor’s.
Remember, snakes, venomous or not, would rather avoid you entirely. They won’t strike unless they feel threatened or cornered. Slowly move away and keep an eye on the snake.
To prevent this from becoming an issue in the first place, consider making your property less inviting by clearing brush, sealing up potential entry points to buildings, and keeping the grass neatly trimmed.
What to Do if You’re Bitten by a Venomous Snake
If, despite taking all the proper precautions, you’re bitten by a venomous snake, there are a few steps you should take immediately.
First, stay calm and avoid panicking. Not only will panicking increase your heart rate, spreading venom more quickly throughout your body, but it’s likely unnecessary. Snakebite fatalities are exceedingly rare.
Your next step should be to move away from the snake. Avoid handling the snake, even if you want to attempt to identify it.
Check your skin for signs that the bite was, indeed, from a venomous snake. Look for puncture wounds or swelling, which can indicate the presence of poison. Similarly, know that venomous snake bites often result in bruising or pain around the site.
Wash the wound, using soap and water to clean the area. Don’t attempt to suck out the venom (a common Internet hack) or apply a tourniquet, as these can cause more harm than good.
Most importantly, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 or visiting the nearest hospital. If you were indeed bitten by a venomous snake, antivenom and other treatments can be used.
Enjoy a Safer Backyard With Connor’s Pest Pros
While there aren’t many Virginia venomous snakes you need to worry about, you still probably aren’t keen on the idea of having them hanging around in your backyard.
At Connor’s Pest Pros, we know how to make your outdoor space significantly less appealing to snakes and other wildlife pests. We’ll work with you to develop a comprehensive plan for prevention and treatment. Whether it’s sealing up access to their favorite hiding spots or keeping rodents (their meal of choice) away, we’ve got you covered.
No more slithering surprises, just total security. Give Connor’s Pest Pros a call today.
