So You Think You Saw a Slithery Friend in the Big Apple? A Guide to New York's Not-So-Secret Snake Society
New York City: home of towering skyscrapers, steaming hot dogs, and...snakes? You bet! While dodging pigeons and tourists might be your usual routine, slithering serpents are more common than you think. But don't worry, shedding your skin and learning to hiss won't be necessary – most New York snakes are about as interested in causing trouble as a bodega cat is in giving up tuna.
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| What Kind Of Snakes Are In New York |
The Good, the Mildly-Startling, and the Venomous Few
New York's snake scene can be divided into three categories: the chill crowd, the dramatic performers, and the "nope, nope, nope" group (but seriously, there are only three of those, and they're pretty shy).
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
The Chill Crowd: These are your garden-variety, non-venomous snakes. We're talking garter snakes, with their stylish stripes, eastern hognose snakes, famous for their impressive (yet ultimately harmless) bluffing displays, and black rat snakes, the long and slender kings of rodent control (perfect for those Brooklyn brownstones!).
The Dramatic Performers: Water snakes love making a splash, both literally (they're excellent swimmers) and figuratively (they puff up their necks to look bigger when threatened). Don't be fooled, though, all bark and no bite!
The "Nope, Nope, Nope" Group: Look, these guys deserve respect – they're venomous. But encountering a timber rattlesnake, an eastern massasauga, or a copperhead is pretty rare in NYC. If you do see one, admire them from a safe distance (like, way in the distance) and let animal control handle it.
Here's the important part: Most snakes in New York would rather slither away than tangle with a human. Leave them be, and they'll be on their way, keeping the city pest-free.
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
Fun Fact: Snakes in the City
Did you know some snake species can actually survive in urban environments? They're resourceful little guys, finding shelter in abandoned buildings, feasting on the city's abundant rodent population, and basking on warm subway grates (hey, gotta get your tan somehow).
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How to Live in Harmony with New York's Slithery Citizens
So, you've encountered a snake in the concrete jungle. Here's what to do:
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
Admire from Afar: Snakes are wild animals, and even the non-venomous ones can get defensive if cornered. Give them a wide berth and let them do their snake thing.
Snap a Picture (Safely): If you want to document your reptilian encounter, use your phone's zoom function. Bonus points for artistic cropping that makes it look like a mythical serpent.
Respect Their Space: Don't try to handle or harass a snake. They're not here to be your new subway pet.
Snake-Proof Your Yard (Optional): If you're worried about legless visitors in your yard, seal up any holes in your foundation and keep woodpiles away from your house.
Co-Exist with Confidence: Remember, snakes are an important part of New York's ecosystem. They keep rodent populations in check and add a touch of the unexpected to city life.
FAQ:
How to Identify a Venomous Snake? If you're unsure, it's best to assume it's venomous and call animal control. But generally, venomous snakes in New York will have triangular-shaped heads and elliptical pupils.
How to Help a Snake Stuck in Your House? Again, call animal control. They have the expertise and equipment to safely remove the snake.
How to Avoid Snakes? Stick to well-maintained trails and avoid tall grass or overgrown areas.
How to Attract Helpful Snakes to My Yard? Create a habitat they'll like – think woodpiles (for hiding) and plenty of cover for them to hunt rodents. But be sure to keep them away from your house!
How to Become a Snake Whisperer? Probably best to leave that to the professionals. But learning about and appreciating New York's slithering residents is a great first step!
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