Return from Garter Snakes again to Wilderness Articles Western rattlesnakes measure 18 inches to 4 feet at maturity. Western rattlesnakes live in warm, dry habitats of … In addition to the persecution snakes experience routinely at human hands, they have suffered greatly from the habitat alterations we have created. Snakes usually enter at ground level, so sealing all ground-level holes or cracks can prevent their entry. The gopher snake is often mistaken for a rattlesnake, owing to its coloration and its impressive display of coiling, striking, and loud hissing. Snakes are often inactive during the hottest part of the day, especially in mid- to late summer, and seek shelter or crawl underground to avoid overheating. This means that unless the snake just happens to poke its tongue out at the precise moment that it is moving over the repellent, it will not notice a thing. The similar looking but rarely seen night snake (Hypsiglena torquata) occurs in similar habitats in eastern Washington. Encourage your friends and neighbors to preserve wildlife habitat on their property, especially property that adjoins yours. Place habitat-enhancement features, such as snake boards and rock piles, away from driveways or heavily traveled roads to avoid vehicle/reptile unpleasantries. All snakes lack external ear openings and eyelids and have long, forked tongues. The chances that the animal will ever be seen again are fairly small. Snake repellents, such as Snake-A-Way© and the stronger Doctor T’s Snake Away© have produced mixed results. The racer is well named because it can move extremely fast. Young are born from July through September, and fend for themselves after hatching. * = Introduced (2 amphibian; 2 reptiles) For information on the above herps, visit Washington Natural Heritage Program's Washington Herp Atlas.The atlas provides the most current information available on Washington's herpetofauna including information on life history, habitat, status, threats, management concerns and distribution. Snakes of the State of Washington: Rubber Boa, Washington Racer, Sharp-Tailed Snake, Ringneck Snake, Right Snake, California Mountain Kingsnake, Striped Whipsnake, Gopher Snake, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Northwestern Garter Snake, Common Garter Snake, Red-Spotted Garter Snake, Valley Garter Snake, Puget Sound Garter Snake, and the Western Rattlesnake. “Northwest Nature Notes.” : Snakes. Also know the recommended treatment steps in case a human or pet is bitten. Such a fence also can be added in front on an existing fence. To help prevent this and to safe spaces on your property for snakes: Because of much false teaching, many people dread snakes, and consequently control often is practiced when it is not needed. Do not cut or suck the wound, do not apply ice or cold packs to the wound, and never use a tourniquet. Keep dogs on leashes and cats inside so they don’t encounter a snake. Keep grass and weeds around the fence mowed. Place a hand warmer and a soft cotton rag in the far end of the tube. They can be found east of the Cascades. As the name suggests they have a dull color body that looks kind of rubbery. The former includes small snakes that may be considered trapped and will likely die from lack of food or moisture if not captured and removed. Scientific Name: Thamnophis ordinoides. Snake enthusiasts will note that the black face of the snake shares that characteristic with the venomous Eastern Coral Snake. Leave grass unmowed in places that adjoin a wet area, sunny forest edge, or any other known snake habitat. A fortunate few people will encounter the Sharp-tailed snake. However, our local species only measures 14 to 30 inches. Make sure the doctor who treats the victim knows how to treat snakebites and, if not, call the Poison Center at (800) 222-1222. It is thinner than a garter snake of comparable size. Create a “snake board” by laying a sheet of plywood or corrugated sheet metal on the ground in a sunny location, propping it up on three sides with 3-inch rocks, lengths of plastic pipe, or similar objects (Fig. A close up picture would show the snake’s eight upper labial scales, typical of all Thamnophis elegans subspecies. They usually have 7 upper scales per side and 8 lower scales per side of the mouth. It grows to 2 to 3 feet. The most recent surveys show dwindling populations and discussions of whether or not to list the species as threatened in the state. Once it is known to be non-venomous, carefully place a bucket or wastebasket over the snake. Note: As the number of snakes is decreased, the number of ground squirrels, gophers, and other rodents may increase, resulting in a different variety of problems. These snakes have the most variable scales and color of any garter snake.They usually have 7 upper scales per side and 8 lower scales per side of the mouth. Really, your hands will stink all day if you pick one up. If a snake is found in the house, identify the snake (A Snakes of Virginia guide is available from the Department). Observe snakes, like all wild animals, from a respectful distance. Most of the time, snakes are slow moving, but they can make short dashes to chase prey or escape from predators. Fear not, coral snakes only live in a limited Southeast territory and kingsnakes are relatively harmless and colorful snakes. A growing snake sheds its skin every four to five weeks. Shed skin looks like thin, clear plastic, with every detail of the scales still visible, even the eyeball cover. As a result, many harmless, beneficial snakes have met untimely deaths at the hands of shovel-wielding humans. » Eastern Washington animals and plants » Eastern Washington wildlife areas, refuges and parks. Based on directions from the State of Washington and King County health officials, the Burke Museum is CLOSED until it is safe to reopen. The Common Garter Snakes pictured are the most wide ranging of Washington’s garter snake species. Due to their well-developed homing instincts, most snakes will soon leave an unfamiliar area, which usually results in their being killed on the roads or by predators. The gopher snake (Pituophis catenfe, Fig. Many snakes, and garter snakes in particular, feed on tadpoles, adult frogs, and invertebrates found in and around ponds (see sources of information on ponds). Protect hibernation sites and other areas used by snakes. Net. Non-venomous snakebites are harmless. A bite from one of these nonvenomous snakes may be alarming, but will rarely break the skin. Snakes are predators and eat many animals thought to be pests—mice, voles, snails, and slugs. Rattlesnakes cannot spit venom; however, venom may be squirted out when the snake strikes an object such as a wire fence. Several methods are available to remove it. (For more information, see Rattlesnakes) link to below. It’s more slender than other garter snakes, reaching 2 feet at maturity. Do not give the victim stimulants or pain medications, unless instructed by a physician. Identifying a Gopher snake starts by approaching it with caution. The reduction of shelter (rock piles, woodpiles, tall grass) not only limits hiding places, but also reduces the habitat used by mice and other rodents, which are a food source for snakes. But some serpents and other reptiles do exist in the city, including a garter snake seen in Discovery Park. Place a piece of duct tape over the hole before moving the snake and trap outside. This is a preventative action to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of our community, visitors, staff, and volunteers. Hibernation sites must remain warm enough to prevent death by freezing, they must be neither too dry nor too wet, and they must be adequately ventilated. 8). Bites from the venomous species can … It is dark above and has stripes of varying colors, often red and orange. In June 2015, Dan Leininger was one of them. They are effective hunters and can severely impact snake populations. 5) Paulsen, Dennis. Earlier this month local authorities in California warned residents that a 23-foot long python was on the loose. These laws not only pertain to the killing of regulated species but may also prohibit live trapping and relocation, harassment, and possession of the animal dead or alive. 2), also known as the bull snake, is found in warm, dry habitat—deserts, grasslands, and open woodlands. 7). A well-defined vertebral stripe is … If you encounter a rattlesnake, move away: A rattlesnake will coil into a defensive posture if it cannot escape by crawling away. Identification difficult because there are four subspecies, all varying in coloration. Besides their ecological value, snakes offer the careful wildlife viewer a chance to watch one of nature’s most efficient predators. They don’t startle easily, so approaching it slow will give a hiker a good look at it. Maryland is home to 27 species and sub-species of snakes, including two with medically significant venom, the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. But, unlike mammals, snakes have no sense of smell associated with their breathing cycle. In an interesting comparison, Washington’s Gopher Snake population lies east of the Cascades. While snakes don’t make up the majority of any predator’s diet, hawks, owls, and a wide range of mammals eat them. Further Sources: Be taught extra concerning the snakes of Washington State on the WDFW website. Cover the bite with a clean, moist dressing to reduce swelling and discomfort. Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) is the general name for one of the most widespread of all the snakes native to the United States. The first thing you should do when encountering a snake is to leave it alone. A fence can be made from 1/4-inch mesh galvanized hardware cloth, 30 inches high. First, try opening a nearby door and using a broom to gently herd the animal out. Several snake species in Washington hold special state status. The other two venomous reptiles in Washington are, the northern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. All other Washington snakes lay eggs in protected areas where the eggs receive enough external heat to hatch. The number of segments on the rattle does not indicate the true age of the snake, since rattlesnakes lose portions of their rattles as they age. Contact your physician if a rash or a sign of infection appears. The risk of snakebite, however, is often exaggerated. To release a snake caught in the glue board trap, take it to a suitable area, place the trap on the ground, and pour vegetable oil on the snake. There are 15 native snake species in Oregon. The picture shows a typical wandering garter snake skin pattern, characterized by the light color stripes. Snakes fare poorly when we break up natural lands for urban and suburban development and isolate animals that cannot easily move across inhospitable terrain. Snake venom can kill but is also used to create life-saving medicines. It is environmentally unsound to capture snakes and try to relocate them on your property, or keep them as pets. Seattle, WA is known for not having many snakes. Join a local conservation organization or a habitat enhancement project. If bitten, clean and sterilize the wound as you would a cut or abrasion. The 130-lb female snake, which belongs to Brandon Dennis, is large enough to … A tracking patch (a bit of flour) in front of the trap will confirm that a snake has entered. Another trap is to attach three or four commercially available, rat-sized glue-boards to a piece of plywood. Snakes are limbless reptiles with elongate bodies that are covered with scales. There are two sub-species in the state: The Red-spotted Garter Snake (T. s. concinnus), which is found only in the Willamette Valley and the Valley Garter Snake (T. s. fitchi) which occurs throughout Oregon except for the northern coastal area and arid central portions of the state. Snakes in houses fall into two categories: those that entered accidentally and will be attempting to escape because they find the habitat unsuitable, and those that have entered to find prey or shelter and would take up permanent residence if allowed. See the appropriate handout for information on how to attract species that feed on snakes. The hand warmer warms the tube up and a cold snake will crawl inside. Bull snakes are rather heavy-bodied, small-headed, and may reach 2.5 The majority of Washington snakes are adapted to human environments and therefore somewhat recognizable to the general public. If possible, call ahead to the emergency room so anti-venom can be ready when the victim arrives. These snakes have the most variable scales and color of any garter snake. Their fangs are shed and replaced several times during their active season. Of the dozen or so species of snakes found in Washington, only the Western rattlesnake is capable of inflicting a venomous bite, which it seldom does. It is about 3 feet long, plain brown or olive above, with a pale yellow belly. Timber Rattlesnakes stick to the more mountainous regions of the state while Cottonmouths spend time in wetlands in Southern Virginia. Interestingly, in 10 States With the Most Venomous Snakes … Pacific gopher snakes are large strongly built snakes with an average adult length of 48 to 66 inches. It has brightly colored stripes (yellow, green, blue) that run lengthwise along its body, and a grayish-blue underside. It typically grows less than a foot in length and makes its home on the rocky slopes of a few forested areas in the southeast. Regularly inspect the fence to be sure that holes haven’t been opened under it, and that items have not been piled against the outside. It holds its head and neck above the ground when hunting, and may climb into shrubs. Remember, all of these warnings are meant to help avoid conflict. Keep the victim calm, restrict movement, and keep the affected area below the heart level to reduce flow of venom toward the heart. The first picture shows a Northern Rubber Boa. Snakes tend to bask on sun-warmed roads in the evening, a fact that often leads to them being run over. Venomous snakes in Arizona: New Mexican Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake. Washington State DNR, Might 2009. If the grass has to be cut, survey the area and move or direct any snakes to a safe location prior to mowing. This method is expensive, but if the yard is to be used as a playground by children the cost may be justified—if only to ease the worries of the parents. Most encounters are momentary. Because snakes are particularly active and less wary during the breeding season, begin to be on the lookout for them in spring. Some snakes may hibernate in older houses with leaky cellars or crawl spaces with dirt floors. www.wildliferemovalvancouver.com/snakecommonwashington.html 04 Aug. 2016. Striped Whipsnakes (Masticophis taeniatus) range through most of the Southwest, and never really had a large population in the Columbia Basin of Washington. Snakes of New York. As they are not found in Western Washington, you can usually assume any snake you encounter in the greater Seattle area is not venomous to humans. To create a one-way door, seal all the openings except the suspected main entrance being used by the snake(s). Three different subspecies of the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) inhabit western North America. “I told Mike not to be complimentary of the governor because that governor is a snake… (In hot settings, place an ice pack or a cool wet rag in the tube.) I have a snake in My Tacoma Garage: Snakes are a very common call in the Tacoma area of Washington. The only rattlesnake species found in Washington State is the Western rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). In areas where rattlesnakes are commonly encountered, fences have been used to keep them away from buildings and out of yards (Fig. Even if it does, the smell may not be noxious enough to drive the snake in another direction. Snakes will use the same hibernaculum year after year; several hundred snakes and different species may occupy the same hibernaculum. Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see. Identification becomes more difficult when they have a different body stripe and there are no other garter snakes in the area to use as a size comparison. Do not give the victim anything by mouth. Snakes can find easy access to garage areas through open garage doors or under poorly fitting doors. The rubber boa (Charina bottae, Fig. Night snakes, as the name implies, are almost always nocturnal. They tend to be habitat generalists, so finding one under a rock or log in the forest or field is possible. Other prey items include insects, bird eggs and nestlings, fish, frogs, and lizards. In brushy areas, use a walking stick to alert a snake of your approach. When most people think about the fauna of the western portion of Washington State snakes are not the first animals to spring to mind. You can also use a long pole, stick, or golf club to pick a snake up and place it in a box or wastebasket for transport outdoors. Although snakes are often seen as threatening, they will hiss, strike, or bite only if they are cornered or restrained. Northwestern Garter Snake Scientific Name: Thamnophis ordinoides. Black and white crossbars may occur on the tail. Once the snake is attached, the glue board trap can be removed. Arizona. To find such help, call your local wildlife office for a referral or look under “Animal” or “Wildlife” in your local phone directory. They told the city council that the name was “frightful.” Support public acquisition of greenbelts, remnant forests, and other wild areas in your community. Snakes have hinged jaws that allow them to consume food that is wider than their bodies. Northwestern Gartersnake (Thamnophis ordinoides) are the smallest of the state’s garter snakes. Copperheads are found all throughout the state. 47. To minimize conflicts with rattlesnakes while hiking: Stick to well-used, open trails. The size of the droppings corresponds to the size of the animal. The device may be left in place for a month or longer to allow time for the snake(s) to leave. Nearly black forms occur in some areas. Anchor the trap to prevent it from rolling. All snakes are an important part of the natural food chain, eating a variety of prey—from mice and birds to frogs and insects. Garter snakes, rubber boas, and Western rattlesnakes bear live young from eggs retained in the body until hatching. To avoid close contact with an agitated snake, consider fastening a wood extension handle to the glue board plywood base before placing the trap. Cover door bottoms with metal flashing or another material. 5) is a member of the same family as the world’s largest snakes—including the boa constrictor, python, and anaconda. The cool, rainy climate that predominates for the majority of the year makes it difficult for most reptiles to successfully reproduce. As a group the Thamnophis ssp’s are slender snakes with heads that are slightly larger than the body diameter, stripes usually running dorsally and laterally down the length of the body, keeled dorsal scales that lack apical pits, a single anal scale, and paired sub caudal scales.Common Garter S… If no rattle is present, think Gopher snake. Its last defensive move is to strike. Their name comes from their alleged resemblance to the garters once worn by men to hold up their socks. 9). Near human habitation, humans, domestic cats and dogs, lawn mowers, weed-whackers, and vehicles fatally wound or kill snakes. Wear leather gloves when dealing with debris or brush. Books and gear Discourage cats and dogs from using your yard. Any gates should fit tightly and be kept closed. It is distinguished by its broad, triangular head that is much wider than its neck, the diamond-shaped pattern along the middle of its back, and the rattles on the tip of its tail. If you are squeamish, the snake can be confined in a room or corner with barriers, such as boards or boxes, to be available for capture by a neighbor or an experienced handler. It looks rubbery and has a short, broad snout and a short, blunt tail, giving it a two-headed appearance. All mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians that occur in the wild in Washington are protected or regulated by state and/or federal laws. 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