Snakes are Out!

copperheadThe South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is advising South Carolinans and visitors to be aware of the snake population while enjoying the outdoors. While hiking, fishing, picnicking or just working in the yard, you will be sharing the outdoors with these common South Carolina reptiles. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources provides a website to assist with general information and identification of common snake species in Upstate South Carolina. The purpose of this site is to emphasize that snakes are part of our native wildlife, and to help expand information and appreciation about these unique and interesting animals. A major feature of the site is an invitation for the public to submit digital photos of snakes (and the county where found) for assistance in identification. Snakes are active in the Upstate throughout the warm months, typically from March through October. Some of their periodic activities during the year include winter “hibernation,” mating, and shedding their skins. Summer (mid-July to mid-September) is the time when baby snakes are born. For the most part newborn snakes (4 to 8 inches long depending on the species) look like miniature versions of their parents in coloration and pattern. Also, like the young of many wildlife species, they tend to wander in search of their own place to live. In doing this the stray youngsters are frequently encountered by people.  You can visit the DNR’s website at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/snakes/index.html or by going to WGOG.com click this story and follow the link.