Copperheads in Franklin (Charleston: apartment, neighborhood, tornado)

[macalan]

Been looking at Franklin for a possible relo and wondered about the Copperhead and other poisonous snake situation.


We live in Charleston, SC now, and although I had read there were venomous snakes here, I thought if we stayed out of tall grass and the woods we would be fine. Not so.


For the 2nd time in a year a dog was bit by a Copperhead on a paved walking path right behind our apartment building. We walk that trail all the time, so it freaked me out. The snake was very big - about 3 ft and was right in the middle of the path during the day.


About a year ago another dog was bit by a Copperhead in this complex - right on the sidewalk in front of the apartment building.


I have since been told you not only have to be careful to look where you are walking, but that the Copperheads sometimes sun themselves in trees and "drop out" now and then.


I'm petrified of snakes, especially venomous snakes. One of the things we loved here was all the walking trails (all paved and not in the woods - open manicured grass on either side) but now I am afraid to walk on the trails, and it seems even the sidewalks are not safe!


How is the situation there? Many people have since told me that they have Copperheads frequently in their back yard - they sun themselves on the back patio, hide under recycling bins, or are just lurking in the yard. The yards here are not wooded - they are open grassy yards and are not huge - maybe 1/4 acre at most.


The snakes can go under (and over) fences, so that is no deterrent - there seems to be no way to have a "snake free" yard, and snake repellent is not safe with a pet (not sure it even works). How then do you use your yard or let your dog out without worrying about a snake bite?

[BirdieBelle]

Originally Posted by macalan

... there seems to be no way to have a "snake free" yard...

There is not.

We have two dogs and 1.3 acres in the suburbs within shouting distance of a major interstate. I have never seen a snake in our yard. However, my big dog has been sprayed by a skunk three times in one year. Talk about a problem that affects everyone in the house!!!

I let my dogs out without worrying the same way I get through a stormy night of tornado warnings: with the knowledge that I've done what I can to provide a safe environment for them but that nature is a force all its own and sometimes things happen.

There are copperheads here. There was one sighted by a yard worker in the neighborhood last year. You just have to take whatever precautions you are comfortable with.

[Wheatridger]

If I was looking to relocate, a major criteria would be a lack of poisonous serpents dropping from the trees!