It’s been a long hard winter here in the mountains but it’s
finally warming up and we in Ramble Access Control have noticed an increase in
outdoor activities. Our residents are hiking, biking and jogging and just
enjoying the beautiful spring weather. Lets all keep in mind there are other
residents waking up from a long hard sleep, snakes!
There are several varieties
of snakes that make the Ramble’s woods and creek banks their home. Most are non-venomous - and can be generally determined by their oval -shaped heads (venomous snakes heads will be more diamond or triangular in shape). Fortunately
for us only two are venomous, the Northern Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake.
The Copperhead is the most common venomous snake in the
mountains, as well as the entire eastern US. They can be found in most habitats,
although they prefer to be near rivers, creeks and other waterways. It is not
unusual to find Copperheads in forested or brushy undeveloped areas within
suburban developments such as the Ramble. Copperheads rely on their camouflage
for cover and safety, however if disturbed or threatened they will bite. Copperhead
bites are typically non fatal but do require medical attention. A bite is
extremely painful and can cause extensive scarring and can occur when
people try to handle or kill the snake. Don’t take chances – avoid these snakes
if encountered along the trails or in the woods. If encountered on your
property call the Ramble main gate.
Timber Rattlesnakes are far less tolerant of human activity
and will usually slide away if given an avenue of escape. Though relatively
mild mannered compared to its cousin the Diamondback Rattler, it is still a very
dangerous animal if cornered. A bite from a Timber Rattler requires immediate
medical attention. Fortunately, due to their distaste for human contact, Timber
Rattlers prefer deep woods and rocky outcroppings, generally less accessible to
humans though care must be taken if walking at dusk or dark when these animals
are on the move in search of prey. As with the Copperhead, the best policy is
to leave them alone as long as the snake poses no immediate threat.
So go out and enjoy the natural beauty the Ramble’s trails
and paths afford and keep an eye out for crawlin’ critters.
Northern Copperhead
Timber Rattler
