If your yard or community park has a non-venomous snake population, it’s important to know what to do if you get bitten.
Spring is here and families are spending more and more time outside. Runners are heading out in the morning to seize the day, kids are spending time frolicking in the spring sun, and animals are spending more time enjoying their habitats as well. If your yard or community park has a non-venomous snake population, it’s important to know what to do if you get bitten. Here are some of our best tips for what to do after being bitten by a non-venomous snake.
Double Check
This might sound silly, but double check to make sure that the snake that bit you was a non-venomous snake. Unless you are completely familiar with identifying snakes, take the few minutes to confirm your safety. Look at the bite that the snake left behind. If the snake was venomous, there are typically two side by side puncture wounds. Non-venomous snake bites are typically identifiable for having a small series of teeth marks without any real puncture wounds. If you have any doubt about whether the snake that bit you was venomous or non-venomous, head to the doctor.
Clean It Up
If the bite didn’t leave behind any large cuts that need treatment from a doctor, you can take care of the problem at home. Completely rinse the wound with clean filtered water (bottled water is fine if you’re at another location). Wash your wound very thoroughly with water and soap to ensure all of the bacteria from the snake’s mouth is gone. Once you are done washing out your wound with antibacterial soap, dry it off by patting instead of rubbing.
Let It Heal
Leave your non-venomous snake bite uncovered unless you need to cover it up for sterility reasons (working with food or working in a medical field). If your non-venomous snake bite is taking a longer time than usual to heal, make another trip to the doctor to ensure that it isn’t infected or damaged.
Top 5 Non-Venomous Snakes in Maryland
Top 5 Non-Venomous Snakes in Maryland
Maryland is home to a diverse array of snake species, with the majority being non-venomous and playing vital roles in the ecosystem. Here are five of the most commonly encountered non-venomous snakes in the state:
1. Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)
- Appearance: Slender body with three light stripes (yellow, white, or blue) running down its back. Coloration can vary from brown or green to black.
- Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, forests, grasslands, and near water sources.
- Diet: Primarily feeds on amphibians, earthworms, small fish, and insects.
- Behavior: Active during the day and often seen basking in the sun. Non-aggressive and will usually flee when approached.
2. Northern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor)
- Appearance: Sleek, black snake with a white chin and throat. Juveniles have a gray body with dark blotches.
- Habitat: Prefers open areas such as fields, meadows, and woodland edges.
- Diet: Feeds on a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, frogs, lizards, and other snakes.
- Behavior: Extremely fast and agile, often seen moving quickly through vegetation. Can be slightly defensive when cornered.
3. Eastern Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis alleghaniensis)
- Appearance: Large, powerful snake with a black or dark gray body and a white chin and belly. Juveniles have a gray body with dark blotches.
- Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, rocky areas, and around buildings.
- Diet: Primarily feeds on rodents, birds, and bird eggs.
- Behavior: Excellent climber and often found in trees or barns. Generally docile but may bite if threatened.
4. Northern Ring-Necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii)
- Appearance: Slender, dark gray or black snake with a distinct yellow or orange ring around its neck. Belly is yellow or orange.
- Habitat: Prefers moist, wooded areas with plenty of cover.
- Diet: Feeds primarily on salamanders, earthworms, and small frogs.
- Behavior: Secretive and often found under rocks or logs. Non-aggressive and rarely bites.
5. Northern Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi dekayi)
- Appearance: Small, brown snake with two rows of dark spots down its back. Belly is pink or gray.
- Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, gardens, and urban areas.
- Diet: Primarily feeds on slugs, snails, earthworms, and insects.
- Behavior: Secretive and often found under rocks or logs. Non-aggressive and rarely bites.
These are just a few of the many fascinating non-venomous snake species that call Maryland home.
Snakes play an essential role in the ecosystem, and it’s important to respect their presence in our environment.
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