under the cover of leaves and thickets. Snake (serpent, rattlesnake, python, viper, adder, boa) ... especially those in urban/suburban areas – are venomous (or poisonous). 2. If you suspect a snake is living in your home, contact your local animal control That is not to say that everyone that camps and hikes in our mountains will have the same luck. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). West Virginia Department of Natural Resources biologist Jim Fregonara not only shared information, but also gave attendees the opportunity to see both non-poisonous and poisonous snakes up close. [cleeng_content id="777014726" description="Read it now!" of their body length, but use common sense when inspecting a snake. Aug 9, 2013 - The Copperhead snake is the most common poisonous snake found in West Virginia. ... scenery of wild and wonderful West Virginia.Wild, is the key word.There are a lot of wild animals in West Virginia including 22 species of snakes. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Most of these snakes are rarely observed by hikers: snakes are quiet, private creatures that want to avoid our company as much as we want to avoid theirs. Also, campers should avoid setting up camp around brush, as snakes tend to dwell recognize poisonous snakes: . The Northern Copperhead boasts hourglass-like banding patterns on its body and a Virginia also is home to the Common Garter Snake. area to seek help. If you have brush piles, debris, or any tin or metal lying out in your yard, that may attract snakes,” said Owen. Yet these members of the reptile class play a vital role in the balance of nature. “Also be alert around Here in West Virginia we have 22 species of snakes with only 2 of them being poisonous. The most distinguishing feature of the Timber Rattlesnake is the rattler on its tail, and dark chevron shaped bands along the length of its body. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Never try to pick up, capture or step on a snake. The vast majority of the state’s snakes are in the Colubrid family, the most common types of snakes found all over the United States. Cornsnakes are nonvenomous and can range in color from red to brown to grey. WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer — Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. To protect the health and safety of our employees and community, many WVU and WVU Extension Service employees are working remotely. When crossing a log, step on the log first and then step over it. West Virginia Water Snakes ( Often mistaken for a Cottonmouth Moccasin) rarely conflict with swimmers and are not poisonous!.....These harmless water snakes are often killed, before deciding to kill one, you need to understand the beneficial qualities of West Virginia water snakes and of all nonpoisonous and poisonous snakes. When hiking in snake country, wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes rather than sandals. ... Two West Virginia Black Snakes Caught in a Wrestling Room! Seek medical attention immediately and refrain from lifting the wound above your More Virginia Colubrid Snakes It’s easy to mistake the Scarletsnake (Cemophora coccinea) for a Milksnake or Kingsnake. 9:14. All the poisonous snakes of Virginia are pit vipers; that is, they possess a heat-sensing pit. If rock climbing, be aware of where you put your hands. do not work and should not be attempted. that you’re walking through and wearing boots and long pants. This avoids startling Snake species. © 2020 West Virginia University. So if someone told you they saw a cottonmouth, water moccasin, cobra, boa constrictor or python in the wild here, they are full of it. The Eastern Ribbon Snake has a distinct pattern on the body as well as the common stripes. It is against the law to kill them, or any other snake in Virginia, with the exception of a poisonous snake threatenening the health of people or farm animals. Northern Copperheads and Timber Rattlesnakes can be found in the Appalachian Mountains running through West Virginia and are sometimes encountered by hikers on the trail. However, if you must examine Reasonable accommodations will be made to provide this content in alternate formats upon request. Twenty-two types of snakes are currently recognized, comprising a total of 20 species. This deprives the ecosystem of a beneficial resource, as snakes eat pest rodents like mice, thus reducing incidents of diseases like Lyme disease. For more information on snakes and proper procedure for snakebites, visit In talking about West Virginia's snakes there are two non-venomous varieties that I would like to draw attention to. In the USA there are between 8,000 and 10,000 reported snakebites annually , out of which 30% are venomous. Venomous snakebites will be accompanied by swelling, intense pain and discoloration. However, many of these species are declining in population due to habitat destruction, water pollution, and the killing of reptiles out of ignorant fear. There are mountainous regions alongside arid plateaus, and there are plenty of forests too, a particular favorite for many snake species and subspecies. Snakes can only strike about one third to one half If you don’t get close enough to look at the pupil shape, check for deep holes, sometimes WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. Another common way to identify cottonmouths from watersnakes is how they swim. Virginia Wildlife Action Plan Rating Tier IV - Moderate Conservation Need - The species may be rare in parts of its range, particularly on the periphery.Populations of these species have demonstrated a significant declining trend or one is suspected which, if continued, is likely to qualify this species for a higher tier in the foreseeable future. In West Virginia… They are easily identifiable by their green color. The wildlife in West Virginia is absolutely fascinating! Some nonvenomous snakes even eat venomous snakes! Copperheads and Rattlesnakes are the only venomous snakes found in West Virginia. The two are similar, but one has a more pronounced chain pattern while the other is more speckled or solid black. center or the local division of natural resources. Some of the most common serpents you’re likely to see in the area include: Garter snake: Often called a garden snake, this widespread species can be found virtually anywhere and is known to have a diverse diet. If you are bitten by a snake, get a picture of the snake if at all possible and submit it to the Snake Identification group on facebook for instant, expert identification. The first is the Northern Rough Greensnake. Our fastest snake is the black racer, which may move four to five miles per hour, slower than a person can run. Greensnakes are nonvenomous. Cristy lives, writes, tutors, gardens, hikes, and relaxes with her family in the heart of Appalachia. West Virginia takes the spot number one with a rate as high as 421.4 bites per million. “Use a long stick to try to shoo it away; if you give them an out, they’re going While we may not be physically in our brick and mortar offices, we are working hard to assist our fellow West Virginians in all 55 counties. Snakes Of West Virginia Because of irrational fears, snakes are perhaps the most misunder-stood creatures in West Virginia. Only two of these snakes, the Timber Rattlesnake and Northern Copperhead, are venomous and considered dangerous to humans. Once it is known to be non-venomous, carefully place a bucket or wastebasket over the snake. 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