According to WakeMed Hospital, they have treated 73 snake bites this year, with a majority of them in May and June. That’s 48 more bites than last year, comparing January through June. In an interview with NC News Intern Corps, Jeff Beane — herpetology collections manager at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences — said he believes that more people going outside to be socially distant has caused this increase.
ProTip: If you want to prevent snakes from living on your property or want to know more about snakes in our area, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission offers some peace-of-mind facts + a few guidelines to keep yourself and the snake safe.
What to know about snakes in the Triangle
○ Of the 38 snake species native to NC, only six are venomous. Only two of the six species — the copperhead and cottonmouths (aka water moccasins) — are normally found in the Triangle. Click here to see the full list of snakes in NC.
○ The most common non-venomous snakes you could see in the Triangle are the rat snake, garter snake, eastern king snake, green snake, and the corn snake.
Tips for safely handling + managing snakes on your property
○ If you see a snake, don’t panic, just walk away and call the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 if you believe it to be venomous.
○ Do not attempt to kill the snake. Killing a snake is not only unnecessary, but could also be illegal. Four of the six venomous species + four non-venomous species found in NC are protected.
○ Clean up clutter — remove hiding places like piles of rocks, wood, and other debris that attract rodents + snakes.
○ Keep the lawn mowed. Snakes and their prey prefer tall grasses where they can hide. They’re also easier to spot in shorter grass.
○ Wear closed shoes + long pants when walking or hiking through the woods, remove piles of wood, and other debris from around your yard.
○ Discourage snakes from entering your home by closing gaps and holes, repairing damage to siding and the foundation, and sealing openings under doors, windows, and around water pipes.
Need local assistance with a snake?
Nick Massimo, also known as Nick the Snake Guru or the Durham Snake Guy is a herpetology PhD student at Arizona State University who will come to your aid if you need advice about snakes or help removing it from your home safely. You can find him on NextDoor.
Nick is a certified Wildlife Damage Control Agent with the state of NC who can legally handle any snake on a property and relocate it safely. Nick mostly serves the Durham area, but will not turn down a Triangle resident who reaches out for advice or identification of snakes. His services are free, although he accepts donations to help with his student expenses.
