Snake Season In VA: Venomous Species, How To Spot Them

VIRGINIA — As temperatures rise across Virginia in the coming months, residents of the state are likely to spend more time outdoors soaking up the sun while hiking, camping, or barbecuing with family and friends.

But as humans migrate outside to enjoy the summer months, many snakes will be doing the same.

Virginia is home to 34 species of snakes, according to the Virginia Herpetological Society, and basking in the sun is crucial to maintaining their body temperature and ensuring they survive and reproduce.

Most snake species like the watersnake, rat snake and garter snake are harmless and won't bother humans. However, there are three types of venomous snakes in Virginia that humans should be mindful of and be sure to admire from a distance.

These are the venomous snakes in Virginia and how to spot them:

Eastern Copperhead

The copperhead is the most common venomous snake in Virginia. Found statewide, it usually will not venture inside homes but may be common in gardens and woodlots.

Copperheads are generally calm-natured animals that lie quietly but will strike if accidentally stepped on or otherwise threatened. Bites can be serious if venom is injected and cause significant pain and swelling.

The copperhead is two shades of copper or a reddish brown. A dark pattern over a lighter background color forms an hourglass shape with wider bands on the sides of the snake and narrower bands across its back. The head is a solid copper color. Young copperheads have a yellow-tipped tail that acts as a lure for prey.

Northern Cottonmouth

Water moccasins, also commonly referred to as cottonmouths, are found to the south and east of Petersburg and are common only in marshes and wetland areas.

A large, heavy-bodied snake that can reach a maximum total length of 74 inches, cottonmouths are usually brown, tan, or olive in color with dark cross-banding. The head is generally thicker than the neck. Juveniles are patterned as adults but are brighter with more conspicuous crossbands.

Northern cottonmouths are not aggressive and will often remain in place when approached by humans; however, they will not hesitate to bite if bothered.

Timber Rattlesnake

Timber rattlesnakes are typically found only in the mountainous regions of western Virginia and a small area of extreme southeastern Virginia where they are known as canebrake rattlesnakes. They are a state-endangered species.

The head of a timber rattlesnake is triangular and color often varies. It typically has a light orange to dark brown stripe behind its eyes and a reddish stripe that extends down the entire length of its mid-back. The body color is pinkish, gray, yellow or light brown with a series of black chevrons, and the tail is usually black.

Like the copperhead and other snakes, the timber rattlesnake would prefer to be left alone. It is not an aggressive creature. The timber rattler is prone to lie quietly or crawl away to safety if given the chance. Its defensive strike does not always include a release of venom as venom primarily is used to disable prey.

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If a venomous snake bites a person, there are several steps to follow, according to

• Call 911 or the Virginia Poison Center at 800-222-1222.
• Take the victim to the hospital immediately.
• Calm and reassure the victim, and keep the victim immobile with the bite positioned lower than the victim’s heart.
• Apply a light constricting band above the bite area. Be sure you can fit your finger between the band and the victim's skin. Do not release the band unless it becomes too tight from swelling.
• Do not try to draw out the venom. Do not use ice, cold packs or sprays. Don't use a tourniquet or give the victim any alcohol or drugs.
• Do not wait until symptoms develop to contact a doctor.

Learn more about Virginia snakes online.