Living with wild animals: snakes (2023)

Food and eating behaviour

• Snakes are carnivores and eat many animals that are considered pests - mice, voles, slugs and snails. Other prey items include insects, eggs and young, fish, frogs and lizards.
• Snakes have hinged jaws that allow them to eat food that is wider than their bodies. However, what a snake eats depends on its size; in general, larger snakes eat larger meals.
• Snakes have forked tongues that deposit air molecules into receptors in their mouths; thus, snakes "taste" the air, which helps them find prey and sense direction in the dark.
• Snakes store food as fat and can rely on fat stores for long periods of time.

Hibernation shelters and places

• Washington snakes hibernate in winter, alone or in large groups.
• Dens (snake burrows) are also used as shelters at other times, including rodent burrows, spaces under logs and stumps, rock crevices and wood and stone piles.
• The hibernation must be kept warm enough to avoid freezing to death, neither too dry nor too humid, and must be adequately ventilated.
• Snakes hibernate year after year; hundreds of snakes and different species can occupy the same hibernation period.
• Depending on the species and location, hibernation can begin as early as March. During warm periods in temperate regions, snakes may briefly emerge from hibernation to forage for food and warmth.

reproduction

• Courtship and mating occur shortly after the snake awakens from hibernation.
• Garter snakes, rubber pythons, and western rattlesnakes lay live young from eggs that remain in the body until they hatch. All other Washington snakes lay their eggs in protected areas where the eggs receive enough external heat to hatch.
• Chicks are born from July to September and fend for themselves after hatching.
• Young snakes grow rapidly and reach sexual maturity in two to three years.

Mortality and life expectancy

• Snakes are preyed on by badgers, coyotes, foxes, skunks, raccoons, skunks, weasels, great blue herons, hawks, hawks and owls.
• In close proximity to human habitation, humans, domestic dogs and cats, lawnmowers, weeders and vehicles can fatally injure or kill snakes.
• Garter snakes can live up to 18 years in captivity. These ages may be unusual for wild snakes, but little is known on this subject.

There are three species of garter snakes in Washington. Smaller snakes eat worms and snails; Larger snakes include amphibians, small rodents, juveniles and fish.

Garter snakes survive in suburbs and cities because they give birth to live young and therefore do not need a safe place to store their eggs. They got their name from their supposed resemblance to the garter belts once worn by men to support their stockings.

When disturbed, snakes will try to escape, but if threatened, they may attack, bite and stain your hands with foul-smelling anal secretions. A bite from one of these non-venomous snakes can be distressing, but it rarely breaks the skin.

to becommon snake(Nereus, photo 1) From coastal and mountain forests to wormwood deserts, often near water or wet meadows or your garden. With the exception of the northwestern garter snake, this species is the most commonly encountered snake. It has bright stripes (yellow, green, blue) running lengthwise along the body and a blue-gray underside. It grows to 2 to 3 feet.

to bewestern country snake(nematodes) occurs in a variety of habitats and, despite its name, spends a lot of time in water. The garter snake is usually grey-brown or black with a dark checkerboard pattern between the yellow stripes. Identification is difficult because there are four subspecies, each with a different color. Almost black shapes appear in some areas. It can be up to 40 centimeters in length.

to beNorthwest Garter Serpent(Nereus) is somewhat less common than its two cousins ​​and prefers coastal and mountainous forest habitats. However, it is commonly found in suburbs and city parks. It is more slender than other garter snakes and reaches up to 2 feet when mature. It is black with stripes of different colors, usually red and orange.

to becobra gopher(The Smurf series, Figure 2), also known as bull snakes, live in hot, dry habitats—deserts, grasslands, and open forests. It is a tough snake, 3 to 4 feet long, with dark brown spots on its back.

The gopher snake is often mistaken for a rattlesnake because of its coloration and impressive, impressive, loud hissing sound. It will also vibrate the tip of its tail on grass and dry leaves, further mimicking a rattlesnake. However, it is not poisonous. It is a species of python that kills its prey – mainly small rodents – by squeezing it until it suffocates.

similar in appearance, but rarenatslange(Snapdragon) occurs in similar habitats in eastern Washington.

to beHal(store pythoner) occurs in hot, dry, open or bushy countries, where it can often be seen galloping along the roads. It is about 3 feet long and is solid brown or olive green on top with a brown belly. It is thinner than a hose of the same size. Racer is a good name because he can move very fast. It keeps its head and neck above the ground while hunting and can crawl into bushes.

to bewestern rattlesnake(green Croatia, Figure 4) are common throughout most of eastern Washington. It is characterized by a broad, triangular head that is much wider than the neck, a diamond pattern in the middle of the back and a rattle at the tip of the tail. The overall color pattern varies by habitat, from olive green to brown and gray. Black and white bars may appear on the tail. Western rattlesnakes are 18 inches to 4 feet long when mature. While many people talk about seeing "timber rattlesnakes," "rattlesnakes," and "rattlesnakes," none of that happened in Washington.

The number of knots on a rattlesnake does not indicate the snake's true age, as rattlesnakes shed parts of the snake as they age.

Rattlesnakes are most often found near their burrows, which are often in rock crevices exposed to the sun. They are more likely to emerge at night and at dusk as they travel to and from their spring and fall hibernation sites.

The rattlesnake's tusks are hollow and are used to inject the snake's venom to stun or kill its prey - mice, woodrats, chipmunks, small rabbits and woodpeckers. During its active season, the prey is captured and replaced several times. Fangs can also be lost by embedding fangs or breaking in some other way.

Rattlesnakes cannot spit venom; but when the snake hits an object such as barbed wire, it can expel venom. The venom is only dangerous when it enters an open wound and has been used to develop a number of human medicines.

Rattlesnakes do not view humans as prey and will not bite unless threatened. Rattlesnake bites rarely produce enough venom to kill, although painful swelling and discoloration may occur. (See Sidewinder for more information) Link below

to berubber python(sharp, figure 5) belongs to the same family as the largest snakes in the world - including the boa constrictor, boa constrictor and boa constrictor. However, our local species only grow 14 to 30 inches. It is olive green, reddish brown or tan to chocolate brown. It looks like rubber, with a short, broad snout and a short, stubby tail, giving it the appearance of two heads.

Rubber pythons live in moist forests, large meadows and wet sand along rocky streams and are particularly fond of tree stumps and rotten logs. Although rarely encountered, this snake is common in the right habitat.

All snakes are discreet, preferring to hide or be quiet in the hope of being ignored. Most meetings are short. Although snakes are often seen as threatening, they will only hiss, whip or bite when cornered or restrained.

Snakes move slowly most of the time, but they can run short distances to hunt prey or escape a predator. They cannot withstand long-distance exercise.

Since snakes are especially active and less alert during the breeding season, start caring for them in the spring.

Snakes are generally inactive during the hottest part of the day, especially in mid-summer, and seek shelter or crawl underground to avoid overheating. In desert areas, snakes may become active at night when the air cools and the ground remains warm. Nocturnal snakes, as their name suggests, are almost always nocturnal.

Trapping snakes and trying to rehome them on your property or keeping them as pets is not good for the environment. Due to their well-developed homing instincts, most snakes quickly leave an unfamiliar area, often resulting in being killed along the way or by predators.

sunbathing spot

Most snakes reach their preferred body temperature by basking on surfaces exposed to the sun. They control their body temperature by moving in and out of sunlight and changing orientation (facing the sun, facing away from the sun, etc.). They also gain body heat by lying on or under warm surfaces.

In warm areas, look for snakes basking on asphalt, concrete, stone and wooden fences. In cooler areas, they can be seen basking in the sun all day. The fact that snakes tend to bask in sunny and warm paths at night often leads to them being trampled.

sti

Snakes are more likely to be seen in sandy or dusty areas of their preferred habitat. Serpentine strips can be wavy or straight (Figure 6). Surface material is generally pushed out of each curve.

fertilizer

Snake patches are interesting because you find white limestone deposits at one end, as well as birds. The size of the excrement corresponds to the size of the animal. Snake dung is like a rope with constrictions and waves.

snake skin swap

A growing snake sheds its skin every four to five weeks. You can tell when it's ready to molt - its eyes are white-blue and dull. Snakes can even be temporarily blinded until the old skin on their heads breaks and they can't crawl out. The exfoliated skin looks like thin, transparent plastic, and every detail of scales is clearly visible, right down to the eyelids. Look for loose skin under boards, rock piles and other places where snakes congregate.

In addition to the persecution that snakes often suffer at the hands of humans, they also suffer greatly from the habitat modification that we cause. Snakes do poorly when we destroy natural terrain for urban and suburban development and isolate animals that cannot easily cross inhospitable terrain.

To prevent this and provide a safe place for snakes on your property:

• Protect roosts and other areas used by snakes.
• Cut at low speed and be ready to hit the clutch or brake. Do not mow near swamps, sunny forest edges, or other known snake habitats. If you must cut, survey the area and move or guide the hoses to safety before cutting. Set the lawn mower as high as possible or use a lawnmower and make the grass 15 cm high.
• Build a small fishless pond (fish eat all stages of amphibians) for amphibians. Many snakes, especially garters, feed on tadpoles, adult frogs, and invertebrates in and around ponds (see sources for information on ponds).
• Build rock walls with crevices or rock mounds so snakes can escape bad weather and predators, forage for food and feed (Figure 7).
• In a sunny location, you can make a "snake board" by placing a sheet of plywood or corrugated metal on the ground and supporting it on three sides with 3" rocks, a piece of plastic pipe, or similar (Figure 8). In colder locations conditions, paint the top black or cover with dark asphalt shingles to increase the temperature under the slab.
• Place habitat improvements such as snake panels and rock piles away from sidewalks or high traffic roads to avoid vehicle/reptile discomfort.
• Prevent dogs and cats from using your garden. They are effective hunters and can seriously affect snake populations.
• Encourage your friends and neighbors to protect wildlife habitat on their property, especially property adjacent to yours.
• Support public takeover of green spaces, remnant forests and other wilderness areas in your community.
• Join a local conservation group or habitat improvement project.

Many people are afraid of snakes because of many false teachings and therefore often exercise control when they are not necessary. The first thing to do when you encounter a snake is to leave it alone. Then store it as long as it is not a rattlesnake or in a house or building where it is not needed. The chances of seeing the animal again are small.

If the snake enters a house or other structure, stay calm so as not to startle it and force it to hide. There are several ways to remove it. First try opening a nearby door, then use the broom to gently drive the animal out. You can also use a pole, club or golf club to pick up the hose and place it in a box or bin for outdoor transport.

If you are shy, you can keep the snake locked in a room or corner with a barrier, such as a board or box, so that neighbors or experienced trainers can catch it. If possible, slowly place an empty bucket or wastebasket over a small or coiled hose until someone is less restricted.

If no one else can remove the snake, you can hire a wildlife management company to do the job. To seek such help, call your local wildlife office for a referral or look in your local phone book under "animals" or "wildlife." Rattlesnakes are sometimes removed by the police or fire department.

To avoid snake conflicts:

prevent access to buildings

Snakes in houses fall into two categories: those that enter by accident and attempt to escape because they find the habitat unsuitable, and those that enter houses in search of prey or shelter and, when permitted, take permanent stay. The first includes small snakes that can be trapped and, if not caught and removed, can die from lack of food or water. Some snakes may hibernate in older homes with leaky basements or crawl in rooms with dirty floors. The presence of shed skin usually indicates that the snake has lived in the house for some time.

Snakes usually enter through the soil, so sealing any holes or cracks in the soil will prevent them from entering. Seal all cracks and holes in building foundations and exterior walls, including crooked siding where small snakes can enter. Seal with 1/4" mesh cloth, caulk, grout, or concrete patch.

Snakes can easily enter garage areas through open garage doors or poorly fitting doors. Cover the bottom of the door with metal flashing or other material. Any weatherstripping on the garage and other exterior doors must fit tightly. These modifications will also exclude mice and other rodents.

change habitat

Limit the number of snakes around living structures, reduce their food supply, shelter and encourage their predators. Reducing shelter (rock piles, tree piles, tall grass) not only limits hiding places, but also reduces habitat for rats and other rodents, which are food sources for snakes. (Snakes also use burrows made by mice or other rodents.) Mouse and rat populations can be reduced by keeping these animals out of access to food, including seeds scattered under bird feeders.

Although snakes do not make up a large part of any predator's diet, hawks, owls and various mammals do eat them. See the relevant leaflet for information on attracting snake-eating species.

grades:As snake populations decline, populations of chipmunks, squirrels and other rodents can increase, causing a variety of problems.

Fences and Deterrents

In areas where rattlesnakes are frequently found, fencing has been used to keep them away from buildings and farms (Figure 9). This approach is expensive, but if the backyard is used as a children's playground, the cost can be justified - if only to alleviate parental concerns.

Fences can be constructed of 1/4" galvanized mesh fabric up to 30" high. The bottom edge should be buried 3 to 6 inches into the ground, and the support posts should be inside the fence to prevent snakes from climbing over them. These fences can also be added in front of existing fences. All doors must fit tightly and remain closed.

Check the fence regularly to make sure there are no holes under the fence and no items piled up outside. Trim grass and weeds around the fence.

Snake repellents such as Snake-A-Way© and the stronger Doctor T's Snake Away© have had mixed results. Snakes "smell" through their tongues and Jacobson's organs located in their mouths. However, unlike mammals, snakes do not have a sense of smell associated with their breathing cycle. This means that unless the snake sticks its tongue out at the exact moment it moves over the deterrent, it won't feel anything. Even if there is, the scent may not be enough to move the snake in the other direction.

rattlesnake

If you live in or visit rattlesnake country, be aware and keep an eye out for this species so it does not threaten you. Also, learn about recommended treatment steps if a person or pet is bitten.

If you encounter a rattlesnake, stay away: If a rattlesnake cannot escape by crawling, it will curl up in a defensive position. Rattlesnakes often make a distinctive call to let you know if you get too close. Its last defensive move is to attack. Remember that all these warnings are to help avoid conflicts. Rattlesnakes will avoid you as much as you will avoid them.

Avoid problems during walking

• To minimize rattlesnake encounters while hiking:
• Stick to good open paths. In dense areas, use a stick to warn the snake of your approach.
• Avoid walking through thick bushes and willow thickets.
• Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see.
• Wear it with ankle boots and wide trousers.
• Watch the rattlesnake from a distance and watch for defensive behavior that tells you you're getting too close.

clapper snake prayer

All rattlesnake bites should be considered life-threatening. Timing is of the essence when someone is bitten. If possible, call the emergency room ahead of time so that antidote is ready when the victim arrives.

If a rattlesnake bites a person or pet, do the following:

• Keep the victim calm, limit movement and keep the affected area below the level of the heart to reduce the flow of poison to the heart.
• Wash the bite site with soap and water.
• Remove any rings or restrictions; the affected area will swell.
• Cover the bite with a clean, moist bandage to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Get medical attention immediately. Make sure the doctor treating the victim knows how to treat a snake bite, or contact the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.

It is not:

• Do not allow the person to participate in physical activity, such as walking or running. Take the victim with you if he has to move.
• Do not cut or suction the wound, do not apply ice or cold compresses to the wound, and do not use a tourniquet.
• Do not give victims stimulants or pain relievers unless directed by a doctor.
• Do not give the victim anything by mouth.
• Do not raise the bite area above the level of the victim's heart.

trap and hose

As a last resort, the snake can be trapped and moved outside, or a one-way door can be installed to allow the snake to exit but not re-enter.

Live traps can be made from 24 to 36 inches of 4-inch PVC pipe. Temporarily cover one end and close the other end with a cap with a 1-inch hole drilled in the center. Place a hand warmer and a soft cotton cloth on the end of the tube. Hand warmers heat the pipe and a cold hose crawls into it. (In warm environments, place an ice pack or a cool damp cloth on the pipe.) If the PVC trap is too hot or too cold, poke a few air holes in the top of the pipe to remove some of the heat or cold.

Anchor the trap to prevent it from rolling. A tracking signal (some flour) on the front of the trap will confirm that the snake has entered. Place a piece of masking tape over the hole before moving the hose outside.

Another trap is to attach three or four pieces of commercially available mouse-sized plywood to the plywood. Place glue board traps along interior walls or foundations. When the snake jumps over the rubber trap, it is caught. After the snake is trapped, the glue board trap can be removed. To avoid close contact with restless snakes, consider attaching the wooden extension handle to the plywood base before placing the trap.grades:Use adhesive sheets only indoors or under structures and just out of reach of children, pets or non-target wildlife.

Release the hose from the glue board, take it to a suitable place, put the tweezers on the ground and pour vegetable oil over the hose. The oil will reduce the stickiness of the glue, allowing the hose to move freely. NOTE: Adhesive panels should not be used outdoors or anywhere they may trap pets or other non-target animals.

To create a one-way door, close all openings except the presumed main entrance used by the snake. In this opening, install a one-way door made of a piece of aluminum screen wrapped around a cylinder approximately 10 inches long and slightly larger in diameter than the entrance hole. Hang the exit end of the pipe above the ground to prevent returning hoses from finding the entrance. The device can be left in place for a month or longer to give the snake time to escape.

Make any necessary repairs to the home or other structure to prevent the problem from occurring again.

public health issues

Bites from non-venomous snakes are harmless. The only concern could be a possible infection. If you are bitten, clean and disinfect the wound as you would a cut or scrape. Some people may be allergic to normally harmless bites, such as those from garter snakes. Contact your doctor if you develop a rash or signs of infection.

Status legal

Several species of snakes in Washington have special state status. As your legal status changes, contact your local state Fish and Wildlife office for the latest information.

It is illegal to import, own, possess, offer for sale, sell or release any species of snake into the wild without appropriate permits (Parliament of Western Australia 220-450-030).

books

• Kozlov, Eugene N.Plants and Animals of the Pacific Northwest.Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1976.
• Link, Russel.Pacific Northwest Wildlife Landscaping.Seattle: University of Washington Press og Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1999.
• Matteson, Tim.Earth Ponds: Village Pond Builder's Guide to Building, Maintaining, and Restoring.Woodstock, VT: Countryman Press, 1991.
• NASH, Helen.Pond doctor: Planning and maintaining a healthy water garden.Nova York: Sterling Press, 1994.
• Nussbaum, Ronald A. et al.Amphibians and Reptiles of the Pacific Northwest.Moscou, ID: University of Idaho Press, 1983.
• Storm, R.M. e W.P. Leonard, red.Reptiles of Washington and Oregon.Seattle: Seattle Audubon Society, 1995.

internet side

• Toads at the Burke Museum in Washington