‘Tis the season for snakes
JACKSON, Tenn. — Summer is finally upon us and unfortunately for many, so is snake season. This year has been especially active due to the recent wet weather. “We’ve had a really busy year because it’s been a damp spring,” said Tammy Cullipher who owns Animal Invaders Wildlife Relocation Services. “The more rain there is the more the snakes come out.” Snakes are common in low-lying wet areas all over West Tennessee. The experts say if you find one in your backyard, leave it alone. “Anytime someone encounters a snake, I advise them not to try and see what it is,” said Cullipher. In Tennessee, it’s illegal to kill a snake. Alan Peterson, with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, says they’re protected. “It’s just because there’s no a hunting season,” said Peterson. “If there’s not a hunting season then they’re protected, and there’s no hunting season on snakes.” Although you might spot a lot of snakes out and about this summer, Peterson says most are harmless. “The vast majority of snakes found in Tennessee are non-venomous,” said Peterson. If you do encounter a snake in your own yard or home, the advice from the experts is to always call a professional. “It’s not something you want to try and deal with yourself and endanger your life,” said Tammy Cullipher. “There’s always someone who can take care of that for you.” It’s also important to keep a safe distance, especially if you don’t know if the snake is venomous. Cullipher, who owns one of the few licensed snake removal services in the area, says it’ll cost between $150 – 200 for them to remove a snake, depending on whether it’s poisonous. The most common venomous snakes in Tennessee are rattle snakes, copper heads and cotton mouths.
