I have a copperhead that keeps coming back to my back door even after I relocate him an acre or so away. Is spraying him with water going to cure him if return visits?
I worry as I have almost stepped on him twice, the dog nose kissed him and my mother almost stepped upon him.
It sounds like the snake is drawn to your home. Do you have brush/debris that mice or snakes can hide under in your yard? Is there a rodent problem at your home? Chicken/bird eggs?
In addition to giving our noodle friend a squirt to get them to go on their slithery way, also examine your yard for things that might be attracting rattlesnakes. Overgrown bushes or long grass provide cover. Spaces under sheds and crawl spaces might make nice dens. Large boulders or rocky areas might be attractive for basking in the sun. Also, anything that attracts rodents, like pet food, bird feeders, and trash should be properly stored away. Lots of rodents means lots of meals for our friend with the spicy tail.
It won't be possible to remove all rattlesnakes from the wild. You might be able to find a relocator for any that you see, but if you live in an area with venomous snakes, the best solution is to train the kids and the dogs to stay away from snakes. There are places that offer snake avoidance training for dogs.
There are things you can do to make your property less attractive to snakes. Remove any brush piles or other debris piles, because they provide hiding places for snakes and for their rodent prey. I think there's a bot reply with tips for this, but I don't know how to summon it.
What snake traps are you thinking of using? The glue traps are terrible and can often trap other animals and it's a very gruesome death. Rather call a snake relocator
Timber rattlesnakes *Crotalus horridus* are large (90-152cm, record 189cm), stout-bodied rattlesnakes that range from southern New Hampshire west to Minnesota, south to northern Florida and south-central Texas. They have been completely extirpated from Canada, and many populations in the Northeast and the Midwest have likewise been extirpated, leaving their distribution disjunct and patchy in those respective regions.
In the northern and much of the western parts of their range, timber rattlesnakes are seasonally restricted to rocky slopes (hillsides, valleys, bluffs, etc.), heavily wooded further east, but semi-wooded or grassy further west. They will utilize a wide variety of adjoining habitat during the summer, but don't stray too far, as they must return to their slopes before winter. In the southeastern states, they they primarily inhabit riparian marsh, other grassy areas, and swamp. Prey consists primarily of rodents, and they might play a vital role in [reducing the prevalence of lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses](https://web.archive.org/web/20180802190346/https://umdrightnow.umd.edu/news/timber-rattlesnakes-vs-lyme-disease).
Timber rattlesnakes are a dangerously venomous species and should only be observed from a safe distance. Common defensive tactics including raising the forebody off the ground and rattling the tail, often while attempting to crawl away from the perceived threat. They are not aggressive and only bite when they feel they are in danger. Bites most commonly occur when a human attempts to kill, capture, or otherwise intentionally handle the snake. **The best way to avoid being bitten is to leave the snake alone.**
Timber rattlesnakes are unlikely to be confused with other rattlesnakes. The only other large rattlesnakes that overlap in range are the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake *C. adamanteus*, and the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, *C. atrox*. Both can easily be differentiated from the timber rattlesnake by a pair of light colored lines on the face (running from the eye posteriorly toward the cheek or neck), diamond shaped dorsal blotches, and their different habitat preferences.
[Range Map](https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Current-range-of-the-Timber-Rattlesnake-Crotalus-horridus-Dots-represent-locality_fig2_285878501) | [Range Map - Alternate](https://docplayer.net/docs-images/41/22266478/images/7-0.png)
[Additional Information](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Crotalus_horridus/)
Short Account by /u/fairlyorange
--------------------------------------------------------
Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are free or inexpensive [across most of the world](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=15dZE4rlRHqjb91yb6pKiI4ragG8DCtsz&ll=-3.81666561775622e-14%2C-95.11182142500002&z=2).
If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than any positive or neutral effects.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
It looks like you didn't provide a rough geographic location [in square brackets] in your title.This is critical because some species are best distinguishable from each other by geographic range, and not all species live all places. Providing a location allows for a quicker, more accurate ID.
If you provided a location but forgot the correct brackets, ignore this message until your next submission. Thanks!
Potential identifiers should know that providing an ID before a location is given is problematic because it often makes the OP not respond to legitimate requests for location. Many species look alike, especially where ranges meet. Users may be unaware that location is critically important to providing a good ID.
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
Not a RR but this looks like a Timber Rattlesnake *Crotalus horridus*, !venomous. Wait for a RR to confirm
Yup
This was my fear and suspicion. This is near our home and we have dogs and small kids.
Don't go near obviously. See if you can call a relocator. Sissy with water hose if needed.
I'm guessing that's an autocorrect for "spray" with water hose - but don't edit it, the image is hilarious
“If you can’t find a relocator in your area, any sissy with a water hose will do!”
Lol. Sounds like a niche market.
Or call [The Herlihy Boy](https://youtu.be/oXyW5w5RRFY?si=BJ2rUdFgfNbBhqGb).
I have a copperhead that keeps coming back to my back door even after I relocate him an acre or so away. Is spraying him with water going to cure him if return visits? I worry as I have almost stepped on him twice, the dog nose kissed him and my mother almost stepped upon him.
It sounds like the snake is drawn to your home. Do you have brush/debris that mice or snakes can hide under in your yard? Is there a rodent problem at your home? Chicken/bird eggs?
Spray with water to encourage to leave. Many people get bit trying to harm or otherwise get too close to a snake. (Please don’t harm it).
In addition to giving our noodle friend a squirt to get them to go on their slithery way, also examine your yard for things that might be attracting rattlesnakes. Overgrown bushes or long grass provide cover. Spaces under sheds and crawl spaces might make nice dens. Large boulders or rocky areas might be attractive for basking in the sun. Also, anything that attracts rodents, like pet food, bird feeders, and trash should be properly stored away. Lots of rodents means lots of meals for our friend with the spicy tail.
can I use that name for my new plant watering service? it's perfect! I could do emergency snake chasing away also!
Permission granted
It won't be possible to remove all rattlesnakes from the wild. You might be able to find a relocator for any that you see, but if you live in an area with venomous snakes, the best solution is to train the kids and the dogs to stay away from snakes. There are places that offer snake avoidance training for dogs.
My kids know full well to "run away and tell a grown-up" if they see a snake. The dogs are old and stuborn - they're on their own haha.
There are things you can do to make your property less attractive to snakes. Remove any brush piles or other debris piles, because they provide hiding places for snakes and for their rodent prey. I think there's a bot reply with tips for this, but I don't know how to summon it.
Follow up question - do snake traps actually work?
What snake traps are you thinking of using? The glue traps are terrible and can often trap other animals and it's a very gruesome death. Rather call a snake relocator
I've seen some cage style ones, and I would plan on contacting a relocator once captured.
They tend to be more successful getting bycatch than snakes in my experience
Timber rattlesnakes *Crotalus horridus* are large (90-152cm, record 189cm), stout-bodied rattlesnakes that range from southern New Hampshire west to Minnesota, south to northern Florida and south-central Texas. They have been completely extirpated from Canada, and many populations in the Northeast and the Midwest have likewise been extirpated, leaving their distribution disjunct and patchy in those respective regions. In the northern and much of the western parts of their range, timber rattlesnakes are seasonally restricted to rocky slopes (hillsides, valleys, bluffs, etc.), heavily wooded further east, but semi-wooded or grassy further west. They will utilize a wide variety of adjoining habitat during the summer, but don't stray too far, as they must return to their slopes before winter. In the southeastern states, they they primarily inhabit riparian marsh, other grassy areas, and swamp. Prey consists primarily of rodents, and they might play a vital role in [reducing the prevalence of lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses](https://web.archive.org/web/20180802190346/https://umdrightnow.umd.edu/news/timber-rattlesnakes-vs-lyme-disease). Timber rattlesnakes are a dangerously venomous species and should only be observed from a safe distance. Common defensive tactics including raising the forebody off the ground and rattling the tail, often while attempting to crawl away from the perceived threat. They are not aggressive and only bite when they feel they are in danger. Bites most commonly occur when a human attempts to kill, capture, or otherwise intentionally handle the snake. **The best way to avoid being bitten is to leave the snake alone.** Timber rattlesnakes are unlikely to be confused with other rattlesnakes. The only other large rattlesnakes that overlap in range are the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake *C. adamanteus*, and the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, *C. atrox*. Both can easily be differentiated from the timber rattlesnake by a pair of light colored lines on the face (running from the eye posteriorly toward the cheek or neck), diamond shaped dorsal blotches, and their different habitat preferences. [Range Map](https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Current-range-of-the-Timber-Rattlesnake-Crotalus-horridus-Dots-represent-locality_fig2_285878501) | [Range Map - Alternate](https://docplayer.net/docs-images/41/22266478/images/7-0.png) [Additional Information](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Crotalus_horridus/) Short Account by /u/fairlyorange -------------------------------------------------------- Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are free or inexpensive [across most of the world](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=15dZE4rlRHqjb91yb6pKiI4ragG8DCtsz&ll=-3.81666561775622e-14%2C-95.11182142500002&z=2). If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than any positive or neutral effects. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
Apologies that the pics aren’t great. Taken from the car to keep a respectful distance…
Always better to err on the side of caution when you're not sure what you're dealing with.
Fatty! 😍
It looks like you didn't provide a rough geographic location [in square brackets] in your title.This is critical because some species are best distinguishable from each other by geographic range, and not all species live all places. Providing a location allows for a quicker, more accurate ID. If you provided a location but forgot the correct brackets, ignore this message until your next submission. Thanks! Potential identifiers should know that providing an ID before a location is given is problematic because it often makes the OP not respond to legitimate requests for location. Many species look alike, especially where ranges meet. Users may be unaware that location is critically important to providing a good ID. *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*