snakes in Huntsville area (house, live in, dangerous)

[lookingforahome]

hallo,
i have received a lot of good input since observing this site. i have finally purchased a home in AL. i have a small place outside of Huntsville (Toney). in the back is a small man made pond where we observed a small brown snake trying to elude us, but was identified by the orkin men as a cotton mouth, this is a very small pond that is close to the house. in the process of moving in i want to safeguard my 2 large inquisitive dogs. any suggestions? i do not normally try to eliminate any wildlife but anything that's presents a serious danger to our welfare will be attended with. any suggestions>

[Threestep]

Welcome to Alabama!

What do you consider small? Young cotton mouths have a rather distinct pattern.

Normally you would not see them. The drought is bringing wildlife to water. Our furballs are very inquisitive and we had no problems. Snakes do not care for company and will do their best to escape unless cornered.

[zenjenn]

I was reading up on the creepy critters of Alabama, and as far as snakes go, the only thing that struck me as something you have to watch out for particularly is the water mocassin, which are apparently in water and AGGRESSIVE. I don't know if they specifically haunt Huntsville but that was the only snake that concerned me. There were some other venomous ones but generally non-aggressive. We have rattlesnakes where I live but because they are not aggressive, I don't worry about them beyond making sure I am keeping an ear out for rattles when I hike. Non-aggressive snakes you have to practically step on to get bitten (though that might be a concern with dogs who tend to sometimes *chase* things)

[dentaigirl10]

Welcome to Alabama we just moved here from michigan, and I hate snakes I dont know anythign about the type your talking about but i heard to that snakes tend to stay away from dogs.good luck ! PS where are you from?

[30apples]

Hello- Before killing the small brown snake, you might want to check on the usual color and pattern of a YOUNG cotton mouth. i've only heard of very dark to black cotton mouths, at least for adults. They are very aggressive and do have a really bright white mouth which they will open wide to bite you. I've seen a large one in the wild and they will stand and "fight" before leaving. does this snake show that behavior if prodded w/ a stick? If it's not a dangerous snake, then it will not be a harm to your dogs, and can take care of its assigned job in the natural world.

[Copper1272]

Originally Posted by zenjenn

I was reading up on the creepy critters of Alabama, and as far as snakes go, the only thing that struck me as something you have to watch out for particularly is the water mocassin, which are apparently in water and AGGRESSIVE. I don't know if they specifically haunt Huntsville but that was the only snake that concerned me. There were some other venomous ones but generally non-aggressive. We have rattlesnakes where I live but because they are not aggressive, I don't worry about them beyond making sure I am keeping an ear out for rattles when I hike. Non-aggressive snakes you have to practically step on to get bitten (though that might be a concern with dogs who tend to sometimes *chase* things)

I live in South Florida near the Everglades and I may be wrong here but we consider Cottonmouths and Water Moccasins the same snake. We don't see too many of them around here unless drought conditions continue but our dogs actually keep the snakes from being near the house or the barns, they avoid them like the plague.

[Crew Chief]

Sorry, but I just couldn't help dropping in when I saw the thread in the "U.S. Forums" list...

1. Snakes in Alabama aren't as bad as Snakes on the %$#@! plane.

2. A sequel; "Snakes in Alabama" COULDN'T be any worse than the original...

Please forgive me!

[lookingforahome]

hallo again, I'm leaving fowlerville michigan to my new abode in toney alabama. i have not sold my home here yet as i want to be able to move my belongings at a slow pace. i'm accustomed to a variety of serpents in mich. the only poisiones ones i ever saw was when i worked for the state, the dnr. they were roadkill in the mornings, on the black top. my dogs dislike snakes, and other wild 4 legged critters. they being dogs are never accused of having a high iq. i have been on the receiving end of a snake eviscerated and it's not pleasant. i have no dislike for snakes as they perform a service. i just would like to keep them at bay without any harm to Fido.

[Southlander]

If the snakes are seeking water - and they probably are since we have had a severe drought, despite some recent rains - then your best bet may be to keep the yard clear of brush and drain the pond for the time being. You could also possibly contact either 1) the local county extension agent or 2) someone at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge for advice on how to discourage snakes from your yard.

[lookingforahome]

thank you Southlander i will make a few calls in the morn. as i said i prefer to discourage instead of annihilate the unwelcome critters.