There exist 16 different species of snakes native to the State of New
York, most of which are harmless to humans. But if threatened or
provoked, these snakes can deliver a nasty bite to careless
individuals, including a select number of species with a venomous bite.
If you are bitten by a snake, poisonous or not, there are several steps you should take to ensure your further well-being.
The first and most immediate need is to move away from the offending snake and avoid a repeated attack. Once out of harm's way, remove items such as rings, watches or other constricting items that may obstruct blood flow if swelling occurs. Use the limb as little as possible, and if you believe the bite to be poisonous, dial 9-1-1 immediately. If the bite seems banal, it is still recommended that you clean the wound and dress it with a topical antibiotic.
Most snakes in New York State are, by and large, not a threat to humans. Below is a compilation of some of the more commonplace snakes found in our region:
The most common snake found throughout all of New York State is the Garter Snake, which can be identified by its brown or black coloring and yellow or off-white stripes running the length of its body. The Garter Snake can grow between three and five feet in length, and is found in forests, grass and damp areas. Generally these snakes are no threat to human beings, and its bite, on the rare occasion when it does bite, is not poisonous.
Another popular snake in New York State is the Eastern Milk Snake, a small snake with a grey or tan body with large brown or red blotches on its back. Commonly mistaken for the poisonous Coral Snake (which is not native to New York State), this two-to-three-foot snake prefers to keep to itself and is not poisonous. They can be found in forests, grassy fields or in the suburbs hiding under objects to keep themselves cool.
Although rare in Upstate New York, the extremely poisonous Timber Rattlesnake does occasionally make an appearance in the southern and eastern portions of the Adirondack Mountains. The snake comes in two color variants: either yellow with dark colored bands or grey with black bands. From the tip of its diamond-shaped head to its tail, the snake can grow between three to four-and-a-half-feet long, and can be extremely aggressive when around humans. A rattle on the end of its tail will sound when it feels threatened or if it's about to strike, so be on high alert if you hear this warning when out in the wilderness.
If you have snakes on your property and wish to be rid of them, products on the market such as Dr. Snake-A-Way Snake Repelling Granules, Liquid Fence Concentrate Snake Repellent or Bonide Products Snake Stopper Repellent exist as a non-lethal solution. For further assistance with snake removal, please contact the U.S. Animal Control Center for Saratoga Springs at 1-888-229-2036.
The first and most immediate need is to move away from the offending snake and avoid a repeated attack. Once out of harm's way, remove items such as rings, watches or other constricting items that may obstruct blood flow if swelling occurs. Use the limb as little as possible, and if you believe the bite to be poisonous, dial 9-1-1 immediately. If the bite seems banal, it is still recommended that you clean the wound and dress it with a topical antibiotic.
Most snakes in New York State are, by and large, not a threat to humans. Below is a compilation of some of the more commonplace snakes found in our region:
The most common snake found throughout all of New York State is the Garter Snake, which can be identified by its brown or black coloring and yellow or off-white stripes running the length of its body. The Garter Snake can grow between three and five feet in length, and is found in forests, grass and damp areas. Generally these snakes are no threat to human beings, and its bite, on the rare occasion when it does bite, is not poisonous.
Another popular snake in New York State is the Eastern Milk Snake, a small snake with a grey or tan body with large brown or red blotches on its back. Commonly mistaken for the poisonous Coral Snake (which is not native to New York State), this two-to-three-foot snake prefers to keep to itself and is not poisonous. They can be found in forests, grassy fields or in the suburbs hiding under objects to keep themselves cool.
Although rare in Upstate New York, the extremely poisonous Timber Rattlesnake does occasionally make an appearance in the southern and eastern portions of the Adirondack Mountains. The snake comes in two color variants: either yellow with dark colored bands or grey with black bands. From the tip of its diamond-shaped head to its tail, the snake can grow between three to four-and-a-half-feet long, and can be extremely aggressive when around humans. A rattle on the end of its tail will sound when it feels threatened or if it's about to strike, so be on high alert if you hear this warning when out in the wilderness.
If you have snakes on your property and wish to be rid of them, products on the market such as Dr. Snake-A-Way Snake Repelling Granules, Liquid Fence Concentrate Snake Repellent or Bonide Products Snake Stopper Repellent exist as a non-lethal solution. For further assistance with snake removal, please contact the U.S. Animal Control Center for Saratoga Springs at 1-888-229-2036.
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