Snakes in the Windy City: A Slithery Surprise
Chicago, the city of broad shoulders and deep dish pizza, isn't exactly known for its exotic wildlife. But guess what? We’ve got snakes! Gasp! Before you start panicking and booking a one-way ticket to Arizona, let's clear something up: most of our slithery friends are harmless and actually pretty cool.
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| What Snakes Are In Chicago |
The Cast of Characters
Let's meet the stars of our Chicago serpent spectacular. First up, we have the common garter snake. This little guy is the most common snake in the city and is about as dangerous as a wet noodle. They love to hang out in gardens, parks, and anywhere there's a bit of moisture. Next, we've got the northern water snake. As the name suggests, these guys prefer a watery habitat, so you'll find them near lakes, rivers, and ponds. They’re harmless, but they can be a bit feisty if you corner them.
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And then there's the midland rat snake. These guys are a bit larger and can be mistaken for a copperhead (don't worry, we don't have copperheads in Chicago). They’re excellent climbers and love to sunbathe on rooftops and trees. So, if you see a big, brown snake chilling on your balcony, don't panic. It's probably just enjoying the view.
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Snake Encounters: What to Do (and Not Do)
If you happen to stumble upon a snake in your backyard, remember: don't freak out. Most snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them. Give them some space, and they'll likely slither away on their own. If you're really uncomfortable, you can call animal control, but chances are, they'll just tell you to leave it alone.
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
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Important note: While we don't have venomous snakes in Chicago, it's always a good idea to learn how to identify them. This way, you can avoid any unnecessary panic.
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Snake-Free Living: Tips and Tricks
Want to minimize your chances of a snake encounter? Here are a few tips:
- Keep your yard tidy: Snakes love hiding places, so clear away any clutter like piles of wood or bricks.
- Secure your garbage cans: Food scraps can attract rodents, which are a snake's favorite meal.
- Seal up any cracks or holes: This will prevent snakes from entering your home.
How To... Snake Questions
- How to tell if a snake is venomous? Look for triangular-shaped heads, elliptical pupils, and rattles. If you see these features, back away slowly and call for help.
- How to safely remove a snake from your home? Open all doors and windows to create an escape route, and use a broom to gently guide the snake outside.
- How to coexist with snakes in your garden? Create a snake-friendly habitat by providing water sources and hiding places, and avoid using harmful pesticides.
- How to educate children about snakes? Teach them to admire snakes from a distance and to never handle them without adult supervision.
- How to handle a snake encounter calmly? Remember that most snakes are harmless and will avoid confrontation. Stay calm, give the snake space, and let it go on its way.
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