People have been sharing pictures and videos of snake sightings in recent weeks as they become more common this time of year. According to Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, snakes are cold-blooded animals and typically hibernate during winter, only reemerge in the spring in late February or early March.
There are two snakes that almost look the same but are actually different. People are usually confused with the venomous rattlesnakes and the harmless gopher snakes that emerge during the snake season.
Read on to learn their differences and know which should be avoided.
'Tis the Season for Snake Sightings
Snakes hibernate during the winter season and emerge as the weather starts to warm up. According to High Valley Veterinary Hospital, springtime is when snakes are most active and also a time when they are most stressed out. They are hungry after hibernating for months. It's the time when they shed their skin, and start to reproduce.
For example, rattlesnakes are active at nighttime as they start to hunt and use their ability to detect vibration and body heat from their prey. Thus, it's when humans and pets would have more chances of encountering snakes and getting bitten.
An immediate assessment is essential for snake bites, whether vaccinated or not. Antivenoms is an effective medicine to neutralize the toxins from the venom and reduce pain and any side effects from the snake bite.
Rattlesnakes Vs. Gopher Snakes
Rattlesnakes and gopher snakes have similar patterns and colors, but only the former has a harmful bite. Kevin Tew from the Phoenix Herpetological Society told News12 that people tend to confuse the two reptiles, and it is understandable due to their similarities.
However, there is an obvious difference between the two - rattlesnakes could rattle, while gopher snakes do not. On the other hand, rattlesnakes can lose their rattle for many reasons, and their victims will only hear it when they have already come dangerously close to the venomous snake.
Tew noted that rattlesnakes have a blunt tail end, unlike gopher snakes with sharp points. Also, rattlesnakes have a pronounced triangular-shaped head, while gopher snakes have a flatter shape that blends more into their body.
In terms of how they kill their prey, gopher snakes constrict their meals before swallowing them whole. But rattlesnakes use their potent venom before consuming their prey. Gopher snakes also need to eat more than rattlesnakes since they are larger than the rattlesnakes.
How to Avoid Venomous Snakes This Season?
To avoid encounters with venomous snakes, St. George News said that hikers should always stay on the trail and train their kids or pets to also do the same. If a rattlesnake is on track, always keep your distance and do not attempt to move them. Instead, move around the snake even if that means going off-trail.
Since snakes are cold-blooded, they are more likely to be seen sunning in the open during mornings and evenings and stay hidden in the afternoon.
Rattlesnakes are a protected species in Utah, and anyone who harass or kill one unless threatened or in self-defense will be persecuted. Despite the differences between rattlesnakes and gopher snakes, both play an important role in the ecosystem. Experts suggest that anyone who encounters snakes at home should immediately contact wildlife experts to remove the snake.
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