Spring Has Sprung — And So Have the Snakes: What You Need to Know This Season
As spring rolls in with warmer weather and blooming flowers, nature begins to wake up—including snakes. This time of year is when snakes become more active after a long winter of brumation (a hibernation-like state for reptiles). If you’re seeing more slithering visitors around your yard, you’re not alone.
Why Snakes Are More Active in Spring
Snakes are cold-blooded creatures, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. As daytime temperatures rise, snakes come out of hiding to bask in the sun, find food, and look for mates. This increased activity can lead to more sightings around homes, gardens, and walking trails.
Common Snakes You Might See
Depending on where you live, there are a variety of non-venomous and venomous snakes that may show up. In the Triad area of North Carolina, for example, it's common to spot:
Black Rat Snakes – Harmless and great for rodent control.
Eastern Kingsnakes – Non-venomous and even eat other snakes, including venomous ones.
Copperheads – Venomous and often mistaken for harmless species. They’re especially active in the spring and early summer.
What Attracts Snakes to Your Property?
Snakes don’t just appear out of nowhere—they follow food and shelter. Your yard might be attractive to them if it has:
Tall grass or woodpiles (great hiding spots)
Bird feeders (which attract rodents—a favorite snake snack)
Standing water or ponds (great for frogs, another favorite snack)
Cluttered areas like old sheds, debris, or overgrown landscaping
How to Keep Snakes Away This Spring
You don’t need to panic, but you should take steps to snake-proof your space:
Keep your lawn trimmed and your landscaping tidy
Seal gaps and cracks around your home’s foundation and doors
Move firewood and brush piles away from your house
Limit standing water and clean up any spilled pet food
Call a professional if you spot a snake and aren’t sure if it’s venomous
What to Do if You See a Snake
First, stay calm. Most snakes want nothing to do with people and will move away if given the chance. If you find one inside your home, near your children or pets, or if you’re unsure of the species, it’s best to call a local wildlife removal expert. Never attempt to catch or kill a snake—especially if you’re not trained to identify it.
