CALVERT COUNTY, Md. — Maryland is home to 27 snake species, ranging from tiny water snakes to 3-foot venomous Eastern copperheads. Many snake species are more active in the summer, which increases the number of sightings—and sounds the alarm for people who may not want to see these creatures on, or even near, their property.
In Maryland, it’s illegal to kill any snakes. Snakes are protected under the Nongame and Endangered Species Act because of their unique value to the ecosystem in Maryland. When left alone, snakes play a key role in maintaining a healthy environment.
Currently, there are two confirmed types of venomous snakes in Maryland: Eastern copperheads and timber rattlesnakes. Copperheads have distinctive hourglass-shaped brown bands and triangular heads. Timber rattlesnakes also have triangular heads and a recognizable rattle at the end of their tails.
The good news is that most snakes in Maryland are totally harmless. In fact, they’re usually good to have around since they help control rodent populations, especially mice.
“I’d rather have one snake outside than a bunch of mice,” joked Paige Stevens, the naturalist at the North Beach Nature Center.
Stevens also said that during the summer, “9/10” of the snakes she’s asked to identify are black rat snakes, an extremely common local species, or garter snakes. She also sees a lot of Eastern copperhead photos from people who spend a lot of time deeper in the woods. Many people who reach out have a fear of snakes and want reassurance that the one they’ve encountered isn’t poisonous.
Fear is powerful when it comes to snakes. In Calvert, there’s an ongoing rumor about water moccasins, a poisonous water snake whose habitat is in the southern U.S. However, there have been no confirmed sightings of water moccasins in the area. Stevens used this as an example of how fear can escalate when people aren’t familiar with the types of snakes they encounter.
She advised that most snakes are “really chill” and will run away if they don’t want to be near you. If they can’t get away, they will “busk” you, which means they’ll release an incredibly foul odor to get you to leave them alone.
Despite media depictions of snakes, biting is a last resort for most species. According to Stevens, some snake bites won’t even break the skin because their teeth anatomy is meant to help them push food down, rather than being designed for taking down prey.
So the best thing to do when you see a snake in your yard? Leave it alone. They’re probably just passing through or looking for a delicious mouse. However, if you do need to have a snake removed for safety reasons—or if a snake is getting in your chicken coop, or anything else—you can call a wildlife removal service to do so.
If you’re in a situation where you have to move a snake—such as, it’s in your driveway and you don’t want to run it over—Stevens suggested trying to move it with a shovel or give it a light poke with a stick. Avoid handling or moving snakes yourself unless you have experience and can do so safely, and be advised that going near any wild animal always comes with a risk.
“Never pick up a snake you aren’t sure about. It’s always best to respect wild animals. Of course, if you get bit by a copperhead seek medical attention, but even other nonvenomous snakes you may want to reach out to your doctor. While their bites are normally harmless, they eat things that could be carrying nasty bacteria,” Stevens said.
And when in doubt, the Nature Center is happy to get you an ID on the snake in your yard.
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Thank you for sharing this information.
that looks like blank house snake, a houses best friend. You clap your hands + the _______________________ will move. Theree are times when you have to get the hell out of the way.