How to Identify and Avoid Venomous Snakes in Indiana

Are you living in Indiana and worried about the presence of venomous snakes near your home? Snakes can be dangerous, but with the right information, you can take steps to protect yourself, your family, and pets from harm. In this blog post we’ll discuss how to identify venomous snakes found in Indiana as well as provide tips on snake removal and control. With a few simple precautions, you can help ensure that your home is safe from these potentially deadly creatures. Continue below to get started!

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A Timber Rattlesnake

Difference Between Venomous and Poisonous

Venomous and poisonous are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference between the two is essential, especially when it comes to safety. Venomous animals, like snakes, inject their venom directly into their prey or attacker, usually through fangs or stingers.

On the other hand, poisonous animals, like the poison dart frog, release a toxin when touched or ingested, usually through skin secretions or ingestion. It’s important to note that not all venomous animals are poisonous and not all poisonous animals are venomous. Knowing the distinction between the two can help you better protect yourself and appreciate the unique adaptations of these incredible creatures.

Two Venomous Snake Species in Indiana

There are two different species of venomous snakes found in Indiana – the Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) and the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Both of these snakes possess a set of fangs that deliver a potentially fatal amount of venom into their prey or potential predators.

The Northern Copperhead:

▶ They are found in the eastern United States.
▶ They typically grow to be about 2-3 feet long.
▶ They are venomous, but their bites are not typically fatal to humans.
▶ These snakes typically eat small mammals, such as mice and rats.
▶ They mate in the spring and give birth to live young in the summer.
▶ The average litter size is 10-12 snakes.

The Timber Rattlesnake:

▶ A venomous snake that is found in the eastern United States.
▶ It is the largest venomous snake in the U.S., with adults reaching lengths of up to 6 feet.
▶ It is a pit viper, meaning that it has heat-sensing pits on its head that it uses to locate prey.
▶ It is considered to be endangered in some states due to habitat loss and extermination.
▶ It is capable of delivering a large amount of venom with each bite.
▶ Bites from this snake can be fatal to humans if not treated promptly.

How to Spot Them

Fortunately, there are some clear physical characteristics you can look for to help you identify which type of snake you have encountered. Copperheads often have distinctive dark brown/red crossbands along their back, while timber rattlesnakes have large diamond-shaped patterns on their back with alternating light and dark rings. It is important to note that all nonvenomous snakes also have patterns on their backs, so you’ll want to look closely at any snake you encounter and be sure you can identify the difference.

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A Northern Copperhead

Safety Tips For Unexpected Snake Encounters

If you come across a venomous snake in your yard or near your home, it is important to take immediate action to keep yourself and your family safe. Snake removal should be done carefully by trained wildlife control professionals who understand how to safely remove snakes from an area without causing harm. If you are unable to find a professional service in your area, there are also some DIY snake control methods available as well. No matter which method of removal you choose, it is always best practice to exercise extreme caution when dealing with any type of reptile – venomous or not. Wearing thick gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes is recommended. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that your pets are kept away from any snakes in the area – even if they appear harmless.

Outsource Professional Snake Removal and Control

By taking the time to educate yourself on how to identify venomous snakes found in Indiana and properly remove them from your property, you can help ensure a safe living environment for yourself and your family. Be sure to contact professional Indianapolis snake removal services if needed and always exercise caution when dealing with these creatures. With the right knowledge and care, you can avoid potential harm from venomous snakes in Indiana.

Are snakes becoming a nuisance around your residential or commercial property in Indiana? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured snake removal and control in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We guarantee to fit your budget for safe wildlife control. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

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Fundamental Facts About Corn Snakes in Indiana

In North America, there is a large population and variety of snakes. Some are potential threats, while others tend to be more docile. One of the most commonly seen snakes in Indiana is the Corn Snake. The Corn snake is also called a red rat snake. They got their name from hundreds of years ago, when farmers would catch them in their corn houses. The mice and rats would feed on the farmer’s hoarded corn, while the snakes fed on the mice.

Continue reading to learn more interesting facts about the Indiana native corn snake.

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Corn Snake Habitats

The corn snake lives in areas of central and southwest America. They are accustomed to living in wooded or forested places, trees, overgrown grass fields, and even abandoned farmhouses and buildings. At a young age, corn snakes can only live on the ground, however, they eventually gain strength to ascend trees and other high posts. In the winter, these snakes hibernate. They sleep until springtime, when the grass has grown back, and their food sources are more abundant. Snakes are also known for brumation, or the process of hiding out in hollow logs or rock crevices in cold seasons, and coming out during the warmest times of the day to soak up the heat from the sun.

In the wild, corn snakes live up to 8 years; however, in domestication, they can live nearly 25 years.  Corn snakes are a very popular choice for pet snakes. This is because they are less likely to bite, and much less aggressive. They do not grow to extreme lengths and their patterns are very pretty and pleasing to the eye.

Eating Patterns of a Corn Snake

These snakes only eat every few days in the wild. They are carnivores, hunting mice, lizards, and other small game. They are even known to eat frogs and bird eggs in some cases. Domesticated snakes are typically fed frozen or dead mice every other day or so. Experts advise against feeding wild mice to pet snakes because they can carry pathogens that can harm the snake. Mice that are used as snake food are bred in captivity and are disease-free rodents.

Where to Get Pro Removal for Indiana Snakes and More

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable snake removal and control services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, clean up and restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! We work with all species of Indiana wildlife, except dogs, cats, and waterfowl. Request a free estimate, today.

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