So You Think You've Seen a Sidewinder in Your Swimming Pool? A Guide to Oklahoma's Snake Scene
Oklahoma: home of windbreakers, wattles, and a surprising number of slithery surprises! That's right, the Sooner State boasts a healthy population of snakes, both the kind that send shivers down your spine and the kind that make excellent garden helpers (though maybe not for controlling your pesky tomato hornworm problem).
But fear not, intrepid Oklahoman! This guide will help you navigate the often-misunderstood world of Oklahoma snakes.
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| What Snakes Are In Oklahoma |
The Good, the Bad, and the Scaly
The Good: Thankfully, most Oklahoma snakes are decidedly un-scary. You'll find a whole bunch of rat snakes, kingsnakes, and water snakes slithering around, keeping rodent populations in check and generally being awesome reptilian neighbors.
The Bad: Now, there are a few scaly scoundrels to keep an eye out for. Oklahoma has seven venomous snakes, including the infamous copperhead and the western diamondback rattlesnake (because of course, Texas wasn't going to be the only one with bragging rights).
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
Here's the key takeaway: most Oklahoma snakes are chill. But if you see a snake with a triangular head and a rattle (or a missing rattle, because those things fall off sometimes), give it a wide berth and a respectful nod.
How to Spot a Snake (Without Getting Too Close)
Let's be honest, nobody wants a surprise snake encounter. Here are some tips to help you share your backyard with these legless lizards in peace:
- Keep your yard tidy. Snakes love hiding in piles of leaves and debris. Make your yard less inviting by keeping things clean.
- Mow your lawn regularly. Tall grass is a snake's dream vacation destination. Short grass means less cover for them to slither around unseen.
- Enjoy your porch light show. Snakes generally aren't fans of bright lights. If you're worried about nighttime encounters, keep those porch lights blazing.
Important Note: While it might be tempting to snag a shovel and chase after a snake, resist the urge! Most snake bites happen when people try to mess with them. Leave them alone and they'll leave you alone (and probably eat a pesky rodent or two in the process).
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
Snake FAQ
How to Identify a Venomous Snake in Oklahoma?
The best way to identify a venomous snake is to leave it alone and call a professional. But if you're really curious, venomous snakes in Oklahoma typically have triangular-shaped heads and some variation of a diamond or banded pattern on their bodies.
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How to Handle a Snake Encounter?
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
Stand still and slowly back away. Don't try to handle the snake or corner it. Most snakes just want to be left alone.
How to Snake-Proof My Yard?
Keep your yard tidy, mow regularly, and seal any gaps around your foundation where snakes could enter.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
How to Get Rid of a Snake in My House?
The safest option is to call a wildlife removal professional. Snakes can find their way into small spaces, and you don't want to risk getting bitten trying to remove it yourself.
How to Appreciate Snakes?
Snakes are an important part of the ecosystem! They help control rodent populations and keep our backyards pest-free. So, the next time you see a snake, appreciate it from a safe distance (and maybe snap a cool picture from afar).
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