So You Think You've Seen Every Buckeye State Serpent? Think Again!
Ohio. The heart of it all, some might say. Home to astronauts, inventors, and...well, a surprising number of slithery friends. That's right, Ohio boasts a scale-tacular selection of snakes, more than you can shake a corn stalk at (though shaking at any wild animal is generally a bad idea).
But just how many scaly surprises are we talking about?
Brace yourselves, ophidiophobes (fear of snakes, look it up), because the answer might just rattle your bones (or, more likely, tickle your funny bone). There are around 33 species of snakes slithering around the Buckeye State. That's right, 33! From the common kingsnake, looking all regal with its yellow and black bands, to the rarely-seen blind snake, who wouldn't know daylight if it bit them (which, don't worry, it won't, because they're tiny and eat mostly insects).
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Hold on, are any of these bad boys venomous?
Now you're asking the important questions, champ! Thankfully, out of those 33, only 3 are venomous: the copperhead, the massasauga rattlesnake, and the timber rattlesnake. These guys deserve a healthy dose of respect, but remember, they'd generally rather avoid trouble than cause it.
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So, what are the odds of me bumping into a serpent on a Sunday stroll?
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Well, that depends on where you're strolling, my friend. Some species, like the ever-inquisitive eastern garter snake, are pretty common. Others, like the secretive queen snake, are like that one weird uncle you only see at Thanksgiving – rare and slightly unsettling.
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The key takeaway? Keep your eyes peeled (but not literally, because snakes are cool) and you might just spot a scaly local!
Bonus Tip: If you do encounter a snake, admire it from a safe distance (like, through a window safe) and let it be on its way. These guys are an important part of the ecosystem, keeping rodent and insect populations in check.
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How To: Fun with Ohio Snakes (and How Not to Annoy Them)
- How to Identify a Snake: There are plenty of resources online and in libraries to help you ID that slithery friend. But remember, some key features (like triangular heads) can vary between species, so consulting a professional is always a good call.
- How to Enjoy Snakes From Afar: Grab your binoculars and head to a local park or nature preserve. Snakes tend to be shy, but with a little patience, you might just get a glimpse!
- How to NOT Annoy a Snake: Leave them alone! Seriously, these guys are just trying to live their best life (which involves eating bugs and napping in the sun).
- How to Help a Snake in Distress: If you find a snake injured or in danger, call your local wildlife removal service. Don't try to be a hero – these guys can be surprisingly strong and very good at biting.
- How to Get Over Your Fear of Snakes: Knowledge is power! Learn more about these fascinating creatures and you might just realize they're not so scary after all.
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