If you find a baby snake in your yard, the most important first step is to observe it from a safe distance and never attempt to handle it. Even baby snakes of venomous species can deliver a potent bite, and identifying a snake species accurately can be difficult without expertise.
Initial Assessment and Safety First
When you spot a small snake, take a moment to assess the situation without getting too close.
- Maintain Distance: Keep several feet away from the snake. Use binoculars if you need a closer look.
- Identify (from afar): Try to identify if it's a common, harmless species or a potentially venomous one. Look for distinguishing features like:
- Pupil shape: Round pupils are typically found in non-venomous snakes (though not always definitive). Elliptical or "cat-like" pupils often indicate a venomous snake in North America (e.g., pit vipers).
- Head shape: Non-venomous snakes often have heads that are a similar width to their body. Venomous snakes (like pit vipers) typically have a more triangular-shaped head, distinct from their neck, due to venom glands.
- Rattles: The presence of a rattle at the tail end indicates a rattlesnake.
- Coloration/Patterns: Familiarize yourself with common snake species in your area. For instance, the bright red, yellow, and black bands of a coral snake follow a specific pattern ("Red touch yellow, kill a fellow; red touch black, venom lack").
- Assess its Location: Is the snake in a safe spot where it can move away naturally, or is it in a high-traffic area (e.g., doorstep, driveway, playground) posing a risk to people or pets?
Encouraging Natural Departure
Often, a baby snake will move along on its own if given space.
- Leave it Alone: If the snake is in a garden bed, under a bush, or in an area where it's not a direct threat, the best course of action is often to simply leave it undisturbed. It's likely just passing through or looking for food.
- Gentle Encouragement: If the snake is in an undesirable spot but not an immediate danger, you can try to gently encourage it to move using a long stick or garden hose from a safe distance. A very light spray of water can sometimes prompt them to relocate.
- Clear a Path: Ensure there's an unobstructed escape route for the snake into a natural area away from your home.
When to Seek Professional Help
There are situations where it's safer and more responsible to call for expert assistance.
- Identified as Venomous: If you are certain (or reasonably suspect) the snake is venomous and it's in a location that poses a risk to people or pets.
- Inside Your Home: If the snake has entered your house, garage, or another enclosed structure.
- Injured or Trapped: If the snake appears injured, sick, or is trapped somewhere it cannot escape from on its own.
- Frequent Sightings: If you are regularly finding snakes in your yard, indicating a potential ongoing issue or attractive habitat.
The best place to start looking for someone knowledgeable about snakes who can give advice about the best course of action when a snake must be removed is your local animal control agency. They are often equipped to handle wildlife calls or can direct you to licensed snake removal services, wildlife rehabilitators, or local experts who can safely and humanely relocate the snake.
Do's and Don'ts When Finding a Baby Snake
It's crucial to prioritize safety for both yourself and the snake.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Do stay calm and observe from a distance. | Don't panic or make sudden movements. |
| Do identify the snake from afar if possible. | Don't attempt to touch, pick up, or kill the snake. |
| Do give the snake space to move away naturally. | Don't try to trap the snake yourself. |
| Do call animal control or a professional for venomous or problematic snakes. | Don't assume a baby snake is harmless. |
| Do teach children and pets to stay away from snakes. | Don't spray the snake with harsh chemicals or substances. |
Preventing Future Encounters
You can make your yard less attractive to snakes, encouraging them to find habitats elsewhere.
- Eliminate Hiding Spots:
- Clear away piles of rocks, wood, leaves, and debris.
- Trim dense shrubs and ground cover, especially those close to your home's foundation.
- Keep grass mowed short.
- Control Rodent Populations: Snakes are often attracted to yards with an ample food supply, such as rodents. Manage rodent populations by securing trash cans, storing pet food in airtight containers, and removing birdseed spills.
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home's foundation, crawl spaces, and utility entry points for gaps or cracks and seal them. This prevents snakes from entering your house directly.
- Manage Water Sources: Fix leaky outdoor faucets and ensure proper drainage to eliminate standing water, which can attract both snakes and their prey.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe coexistence with local wildlife, including snakes, in your yard.
