OUTDOOR CORNER: THE TRUTH ABOUT A GOOD SNAKE; MYTHS, IGNORANCE HAVE PERPETUATED SNAKES' BAD IMAGE

Snakes need our help. These animals have been misunderstood for too long, and their role in nature is too little appreciated.

THE FEAR OF SNAKES

According to the National Wildlife Federation, at least 20% of the U.S. population suffers some degree of snake fear. No matter what the cause of this fear may be, it is unnecessary. The more people learn about snakes, the less they will fear them. Many harmless snakes are needlessly killed each year, but, if the facts about snakes are better known, this problem can be reduced.

Some people have such a dread of snakes they actually avoid going outdoors to fish, hunt, hike or picnic because of the fear they may encounter a snake. Actually, we don't have "snakes under every rock" or "behind every tree." As most people who spend a lot of time in the outdoors know, encounters with snakes are rather infrequent.

Providing those who fear snakes with correct information on the kinds, natural history and distribution of Missouri's snakes may reduce their fears so they can begin to enjoy our beautiful outdoors year round.

SNAKE FACTS - MISSOURI STYLE

Missouri, with its variety of wildlife habitats, is home to a total of 51 different species and subspecies of snakes. The majority (88%) of our snakes are harmless.

Snakes are reptiles - a group which also incudes lizards, crocodiles and turtles. Reptiles in general are covered with scales, are the same temperature as their surroundings and have been around for millions of years. Snakes and lizards are closely related. Snakes are legless, have no external ear opening and are not slimy. About half of our snakes lay eggs; half give birth to completely developed young.

All snakes shed their outer skin as they grow - from three to five times per year. All snakes can swim. The internal organs of snakes are elongated, which allows them to fit into the tubular body cavity. Most species have an elongated right lung and no left lung.

All snakes eat other animals and are classified as carnivorous. Kingsnakes eat mice, lizards and other species of snakes. They are immune to the venom of our venomous snakes, and will kill and consume them if given the opportunity. Although many of our harmless snakes will bite to defend themselves, their bite usually produces nothing more than simple scratches.

MISSOURI'S VENOMOUS SNAKES

All venomous snakes native to Missouri are members of the pit viper family. Pit vipers have a characteristic pit located between the eye and nostril on each side of the head. Their pupils are elliptical in shape and they have a pair of well developed fangs. Our venomous species all have a single row of scales along the underside of the tail.

Many people insist on using the "triangular shape" of the head to determine whether a snake is dangerous or harmless. Although the venomous snakes have a somewhat triangle-shaped head, several harmless species, like the water snake, garter snakes and hognose snakes, can and do flatten their head and cause them to appear triangular in shape. Harmless snakes lack the sensory pit and fangs. They have round pupils and a double row of scales along the underside of their tail.

The venomous snakes found in Missouri include: the Osage and southern copperhead, western cottonmouth, western pygmy rattlesnake, massasauga rattlesnake and timber rattlesnake.

The diamondback rattlesnake and coral snake are not found in Missouri. The most common venomous snake in Missouri is the copperhead.

Snakebite is not a serious problem in Missouri. In the last 25 years no one has died from snakebite. Compare that with planes, trains and automobiles.

HELPING SNAKES SURVIVE

Missouri's snakes, like most of our nongame animals, need understanding and protection to survive. Insuring that our beneficial snake species will continue to be a part of our total outdoor picture means more than stopping the needless killing by misinformed people. Snake survival also means providing proper habitat. In general, a diversified habitat such as a well managed forest will support a variety of both game and nongame species of animals.

Snakes in such an environment will benefit from the addition of various kinds of shelters, such as brush piles, logs and rock piles. These shelters will provide security for snakes and may increase the availability of food animals (mice, native rats, lizards, toads and frogs).

Ponds built near forested areas will also provide a valuable addition to the habitat that will benefit several kinds of snakes and other wildlife as long as the pond is properly maintained.

The Department of Conservation will be happy to provide landowners with detailed management tips to help wildlife survive, including nongame species.

Not long ago the thought of offering information on the value and need to protect snakes was unheard of. Today, a more enlightened public is beginning to understand the total wildlife picture, and scoffs at old attitudes and ridiculous myths about snakes. People traditionally have been brought up to fear and dislike snakes, and it is now time that old wives tales be exchanged for facts.

These creatures are just as much a part of the natural outdoors as deer, wild turkeys or bluebirds. Snakes eat many rodents and other animals and themselves serve as a food source for wildlife such as hawks, owls, mink, skunks and herons. Many people have found the study of snakes fascinating and have discovered that they need not be frightening.

Learning the value of snakes and their role in nature, and understanding their natural history will lead to an appreciation of these animals.

Missourians who have a particular interest in the conservation of our amphibians and reptiles are invited to join the St. Louis Herpetological Society. This non-profit organization is dedicated to educating the public to the plight of these misunderstood animals.

St. Louis Herpetological Society

PO Box 410346

St. Louis, MO 63141-0346

RIDDING A PREMISES OF SNAKES

Although snakes are an interesting and natural part of our outdoors, there may be times and places where their presence is objectionable. Venomous snakes have no place around human dwellings, and even harmless species may cause problems because most people fear them.

There are no really effective means of eliminating snakes completely, but it is possible to discourage them around homes by the same method effective for controlling other animal pests - eliminate their food and shelter. Piles of boards, fence posts, dump heaps, slabs of roofing paper, scrap corrugated steel roofing, burlap, slabs of bark and piles of rock provide hiding places for snakes and the food they eat. Removing these attractions and generally tidying up are the best ways to keep the premises free of snakes.

Inspect foundations, doors and low windows to make sure there are no openings where snakes might enter. We recommend that any harmless snakes encountered be captured with a hoe or stick and released unharmed in an isolated, safe habitat.

CONSERVATION OF MISSOURI'S NONGAME SPECIES

Few Missourians realize that all snakes native to our state are protected. The Wildlife Code of Missouri treats snakes, lizards and most turtles as nongame. This means that there is no open season on these animals, and it is technically unlawful to kill them. There is a realistic exception, however: If a venomous snake were in close association with people, which could result in someone being bitten.

In time, there may be a change in the general attitude that "the only good snake is a dead snake." The realization that these creatures are interesting, valuable and, for the most part, harmless, will replace fear and misunderstandings.

Joe Garvey is a district forester for the Missouri Department of Conservation.