Your safety comes first.

Step Six: Identify the Snake From a Safe Distance

If you can do so safely, take note of the snake's appearance.

Useful details can include:

• Approximate length

• Body color

• Pattern

• Head shape

• Location

• Behavior

• Whether it is moving or hiding

A photograph may also help professionals identify the animal.

But don't move closer simply to get a better picture.

A blurry photograph taken from a safe distance is much better than a perfect photograph taken from dangerous proximity.

And avoid relying on social media comments for definitive identification.

Snake identification can be difficult, particularly when lighting, distance, and regional variation are involved.

What If You Don't Know Whether the Snake Is Venomous?

Treat an unknown snake with caution.

Don't assume:

"It looks harmless."

Don't assume:

"It's probably just a garden snake."

And don't assume:

"Venomous snakes always look aggressive."

Snakes don't have to display obvious aggression to be dangerous.

If you cannot confidently identify the species, maintain your distance and contact a local wildlife professional, animal-control service, or other appropriate authority.

The exact organization available will depend on where you live.

What If the Snake Disappears?

This is where many people make another mistake.

You see a snake disappear behind a cabinet or under furniture and immediately start moving everything around to find it.

Don't.

If you can't see where the snake went, don't put your hands into dark spaces.

Don't reach underneath furniture.

Don't stick your fingers into holes.

Don't blindly move boxes.

A snake hiding somewhere is not an invitation to start searching with your hands.

If possible, isolate the area and seek professional assistance.

Don't Use Your Hands to Search Dark Spaces

This rule applies whether you see a snake or not.

Snakes can hide in surprisingly small spaces.

A dark gap under a cabinet may look empty while still providing shelter.

If you need to move something, use appropriate caution and avoid placing your hands where you cannot see.

This is especially important in garages, sheds, crawl spaces, and storage areas where snakes may be present.

What About Children?

Children should be moved away from the area immediately.

Don't encourage them to watch the snake from close range.

Don't allow them to attempt to identify it themselves.

And don't assume that a child understands how quickly a snake can move.

A simple rule works well:

If there's a snake, step away and tell an adult.

Children can be curious, and curiosity can override caution.

What About Dogs and Cats?

Pets are often at greater risk because they may actively approach the snake.

A dog may bark at it.

A cat may try to pounce.

A curious pet may attempt to sniff or bite it.

Keep pets inside another room if possible.

If a pet has been bitten, seek veterinary care immediately.

Don't wait for obvious symptoms if a venomous snake is possible.

And don't attempt to treat a suspected venomous bite at home unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian or veterinary poison-control professional.

What You Should Never Do

When people panic, they may try improvised solutions.