Like them or not, not all snakes are harmful
Posted on Saturday, June 14, 2008
BELLA VISTA - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission herpetologist Kelly Irwin often gets called this time of year with such questions as," What kind of snake did I just kill ?"
As one of the state's experts on amphibians and reptiles, taking the time to inform the public about snakes is just part of the job, he said. One thing he would like people to understand is that not all snakes are harmful.
"Not all snakes are bad; even the venomous snakes are good," Irwin said.
They help to keep vermin and rodent populations in check, he explained.
Snakes become more active during summer months, so the likelihood of encountering one increases, he said. Many of the snakes found in northwest Arkansas are nonvenomous and wish to avoid confrontation, he said.
"Snakes are not aggressive and will not actively pursue or attack a person," Irwin said. "This is a big misconception."
There are 36 species of snakes found in Arkansas, but only four venomous species can commonly be found in the area, Irwin said.
The copperhead, the cottonmouth, the timber rattlesnake and the pigmy rattlesnake are all pit vipers that carry venom, Irwin said.
Not all water snakes are cottonmouths, Irwin said. Cottonmouths typically swim with a third or more of their body on top of the water, unlike nonvenomous water snakes which typically swim with only their heads protruding, he noted.
Information on how to identify other snakes and their characteristics is included in a free Arkansas snakes handbook, Irwin said. The guide can be downloaded from the Web site www. agfc. com or the guide can be requested through the commission's toll-free number at (800 ) 364-4263.
Another useful source for reptile and amphibian information is the Arkansas Herpetological Society's Web site - www. snakesofarkansas. com - Web master and Bella Vista resident Kory Roberts said.
The site has been up and running for about nine years, and has accumulated more than 200 registered users, with 30 to 40 members actively participating, Roberts said. The site carries a number of features for people generally interested in amphibians or reptiles, he said.
Roberts, who is a science teacher at Greer Lingle Middle School in Rogers, has been hunting and finding snakes in northwest Arkansas since he was a boy.
The most common snakes found in this area are the nonvenomous Western rat snake and the copperhead, he said.
The old rhyme of "red touches yellow, kill a fellow; red touches black, venom lack"is typically used to remember the banding pattern of venomous coral snakes, Roberts said.
However, this phrase only applies to snakes of North America, and there are no coral snakes found in northwest Arkansas, he said. The only type of snake found in this area with colored banding is the nonvenomous milk snake, Roberts said.
Herpetology enthusiasts wishing to go exploring for reptiles or amphibians are encouraged to visit the AHS Web site for information on the group's next field trip, Roberts said.
Those who would rather reduce the chances of a snake encounter can discourage their presence by regularly cutting grass and removing debris, such as woodpiles, Irwin said. This will eliminate hiding places for snakes and their prey.
If a snake bite occurs, one should apply a cold compress to the wound, remove any jewelry or watches from the affected limb and seek medical attention, according to Jim Basse, battalion chief and paramedic with the Bella Vista Fire Department.
Symptoms from a snake bite can include swelling, skin discoloration around the bite, nausea and vomiting, Basse said.
Although some snakes act defensively, and occasionally slither into a home or garage by accident, they are not evil, and people should seek less fatal confrontations with the creatures, Irwin said.
"Snakes don't have to be killed," he said.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
