Some tips about snakes from the USU Extension Team

Summer months bring summer heat, and summer heat brings snakes. Utah is home to 31 species of snakes. Of these, only seven are venomous. Most snake-human interactions aren’t dangerous, but consequences could be serious if you encounter a venomous snake. 

We’ve got a few tips here to help keep you safe from slithering snakes: 

• If you see a snake, leave it alone. 
• As a general rule, venomous snakes have elliptical pupils like the ones pictured here. 
• Rattlesnakes might not always “rattle” when disturbed, so when you are in areas where they are known to live, pay close attention to where you walk, sit and place your hands.
• Keep your home unattractive to them by trimming vegetation and removing wood and rock piles to reduce hiding places. 

You can read more about how to stop snakes from slithering into your yard here. 

Be on the lookout for these creatures, but remember, they are often just as afraid of you as you are of them. 

Sssssstay safe!