Today, a black rat snake makes its way across the trail and into the aviary where we can watch it slither around, poking its head against the sides until it eventually turns around and goes back out the door. Snakes--these feared creatures that keep our rodent population at levels worth applauding--are amazing! On these warm spring days, you'll be sure to see them out and about, soaking up the sun.
If you're out hiking on a sunny day, make sure you're glancing down consistently to help prevent any accidents, especially in sunny areas, in boulder fields, or on rocky outcrops. Snakes typically will not bite unless they are stepped on or handled. Before they bite, they release a substance from the cloacal vent (called musk) that will easily wash out of clothing, but that has a terrible lingering smell. I'm inclined to say worse than a skunk. It's a common defense mechanism for snakes to rattle their tails quickly, even if they're not a rattle snake, so if you hear that sound, you've probably disturbed one. Try not to make a habit of rolling over big rocks.
Never pick up a wild snake, venomous or non-venomous!
Venomous snakes: have slitted pupils (like cats) and have triangular-shaped heads (because their venom glands sit near the back of the jaw). There are only three venomous snakes in Pennsylvania: northern copperhead, massasauga rattle snake, and the timber rattle snake.
Non-venomous snakes: have round pupils (like people) and have slender heads. There are about 18 species of non-poisonous snakes in Pennsylvania.
For more information, visit the PA Fish and Boat Commission website or this handy herp-ID site.
Photo courtesy of Rosie Molinary
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