Even species that are generally considered harmless can bite when they feel threatened. And if you are not trained to identify local snakes, it is unwise to assume that a snake is harmless based solely on appearance.
Bring children and pets indoors and give the animal a clear path away from people whenever possible.
If the snake is inside the house or trapped in an area where people cannot safely avoid it, contact a qualified local wildlife professional or animal-control service.
Don’t Forget That Snakes Are Part of the Ecosystem
It is also worth remembering that snakes are not automatically pests.
Many snake species help control populations of rodents and other animals. In agricultural and residential environments, that ecological role can be beneficial.
The goal does not necessarily have to be eliminating every snake from the surrounding area.
Instead, a more practical objective is to reduce unwanted encounters around places where people live, sleep, eat, and spend time.
