So You Think You've Seen a Sidewinder in Your Swimming Pool? A Guide to Oklahoma City's Snake Scene
Oklahoma City: a land of vibrant culture, delicious fried onion burgers, and...snakes? You betcha! Now, before you start packing flamethrowers (seriously, don't), let's slither into the fascinating world of Oklahoma City's scaly residents.
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| What Kind Of Snakes Are In Oklahoma City |
The Good, the Mild-Mannered, and the Noodle-y
Oklahoma City boasts a whopping 46 species of snakes, but rest easy, only seven are packing any heat (venom, that is). The vast majority are chill dudes (and dudettes) who are more interested in munching on mice than your ankles. Here's a rundown of the most common non-venomous crew:
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- Rat snakes: These long, slender guys are excellent rodent wranglers and completely harmless to humans (unless you're a particularly plump mouse).
- Water snakes: Don't let the name fool you, these aquatic assassins are after fish, not fingers. They're often mistaken for cottonmouths (which are venomous), but water snakes have a friendly, permanently surprised look on their faces.
- King snakes: Nature's pest control! King snakes are immune to the venom of rattlesnakes and other not-so-friendly snakes, making them fearless fighters against the local riff-raff.
The Not-So-Good (But Still Treatable)
Now, let's talk about the seven that do pack a punch. Here's a quick guide to Oklahoma City's venomous snakes, with a dash of helpful advice:
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- Copperheads: These guys are shy and reclusive, but if cornered, they'll give you a nasty bite. Fun fact: Their copper-colored head (shocking, right?) is only present in some populations.
- Rattlesnakes: Oklahoma has its fair share of rattlers, including the prairie rattlesnake and the western diamondback. Their signature rattle is a dead giveaway (unless they're sneaky rattlers with broken rattles, but that's a whole other story).
Important Note: If you encounter a venomous snake, admire it from a safe distance (like, way in the back of your house) and call animal control.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
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How to Share Your Backyard with Oklahoma's Slithery Slinkers
Living alongside snakes isn't scary, it's an adventure! Here are some tips for peaceful co-existence:
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- Keep your yard tidy: Less clutter means fewer hiding spots for snakes (and other creepy crawlies).
- Seal up any holes: Patch up cracks in your foundation and around pipes to discourage slithery visitors from setting up shop.
- Mow your lawn regularly: Tall grass provides a perfect hunting ground for snakes.
How ToFAQs:
- How to identify a venomous snake? Look for a triangular-shaped head and a pit between the nostrils and eyes. But if you're unsure, err on the side of caution and call animal control.
- How to avoid snakes? Stick to well-maintained trails and avoid tall grass or overgrown areas.
- How to handle a snake encounter? Slowly back away and give the snake plenty of space. Don't try to handle it or corner it.
- How to snake-proof your house? Seal up any cracks or holes around your foundation and doors.
- How to overcome your fear of snakes? Learn about them! The more you know, the less scary they seem.
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