CALIFORNIA, Md. — If you’re one of many Marylanders who love being outdoors in the summer, you may be aware that this time of year brings out some of the state’s less popular residents — snakes.
According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, there are 27 species of snakes that call Maryland home, including venomous pit vipers called copperheads.
Copperheads are identifiable by their hourglass-shaped bands and copper-colored heads. This species becomes more active above ground during warmer months. They brumate in holes in the ground and are sluggish and rarely sighted after November. Typically, residents report copperhead sightings beginning in April.
Copperhead bites are uncommon but do occur. The other venomous native snake is the timber rattlesnake, which has a triangular head and a recognizable rattle at the end of its tail.
If you (or your pet) get bitten by a snake, you should seek emergency medical care immediately, even if you’re not sure whether the snake itself was a venomous species.
As for Maryland’s other snake species, the vast majority are harmless and want nothing to do with humans. Species range from tiny water snakes to Maryland’s common black rat snakes and garter snakes. Black rat snakes are commonly spotted in yards and can grow up to 6 feet long. These snakes often set off alarm bells for residents, even though they’re harmless and should be left alone.
Killing any Maryland native snake is against the law. Instead, wildlife officials recommend simple prevention steps:
- Wear sturdy footwear and long pants when hiking or working near rocks and woodpiles.
- Avoid reaching into unseen spaces — under logs, rocks or tall grass.
- Keep yards clear of debris and discourage rodents, which attract snakes.
- Never try to relocate or handle snakes; instead, contact animal control.
So, in short, happy snake season.
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