Fall is here and brings with it an increase in the number of venomous snakes in the Commonwealth in the form of baby copperheads. In anticipation of a seasonal increase of copperhead encounters, officials from the Kentucky Reptile Zoo are emphasizing the importance of being aware while outside.
Kat Dale is the Lead Keeper for the Kentucky Reptile Zoo. Dale said the best way to avoid disturbing a snake is to not place hands or feet where they cannot be seen. She said this includes lifting rocks and kicking through piles of leaves.
“Or reaching underneath something like a log. Try to recommend that people don’t step down in front of places that animals can hide under like logs and just stay on marked paths and places where humans are already walking,” said Dale.
The wildlife official said there are some myths about baby snakes. Dale said the facts are that baby copperheads can control their venom as soon as they are born. Further, their venom is no more potent than that of an adult snake.
“Studies have shown that the venom is a little different because the babies eat different things. They eat lizards and frogs and then the venom is better suited to catch those things than it is a rodent. But in terms of a human, there is no huge difference in effect,” said Dale.
Wildlife experts said the best thing a person can do when they see a snake is to walk away, as snakes are no more interested in biting people than people are in being bitten.