A pet may chase, corner, or attempt to bite a snake, creating a confrontation that could otherwise have been avoided.
When pets are outside, especially in areas where snakes are known to occur, supervision can be important.
Keep grass and vegetation maintained in areas where pets frequently play.
Avoid allowing pets to investigate piles of wood, rocks, debris, or dense vegetation.
If you live in an area with venomous snakes, speak with a local veterinarian about region-specific precautions.
Children Should Know What To Do
Children are naturally curious about animals.
If you live in an area where snakes occur, teaching children basic safety rules is more useful than simply telling them that snakes are “bad.”
Teach them:
- Never touch a snake.
- Never try to catch one.
- Do not put hands into holes or dense vegetation.
- Stay away from wood piles and debris piles.
- Tell an adult immediately if they see a snake.
- Do not chase or throw objects at wildlife.
These simple habits can reduce the chance of an unnecessary encounter.
A Safer Garden Does Not Have to Be a Boring Garden
One common misconception is that reducing snake-friendly hiding places means removing most vegetation.
That isn't necessary.
You can still have flowers.
You can still grow herbs.
You can still have shrubs, trees, ornamental plants, and beautiful planting beds.
The key is structure and maintenance.
Instead of allowing plants to become tangled masses, maintain clear pathways.
Instead of allowing vegetation to touch every wall and structure, create manageable spacing.
Instead of allowing debris to accumulate indefinitely, remove unnecessary materials.
Instead of letting weeds and grass grow unchecked around sheds and fences, keep those areas maintained.
A well-designed garden can remain lush while still being easier to monitor.
Think About What Is Happening at Ground Level
When people design gardens, they often think about what the plants look like from eye level.
But wildlife experiences the garden differently.