Flooding from tropical storm brings out snakes, other critters

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Tropical Storm Debby’s aftermath may not only bring flooding and debris but could also bring some unwanted guests into your neighborhood.

South Carolina snake chaser Hayden Cavender said this is due to higher wind and water levels after Debby. He says that after storms, he expects to be busier, with calls increasing by 15 to 20 percent.

“We’re prepared,” said Cavender. “Snakes, baby squirrels, birds, all kinds of animals. The high winds knock them out of nests and the rising waters push everybody up and out to higher land.”

It’s going to be a problem across South Carolina and Georgia in coming days as both states deal with flooding in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby.

Residents of the Cottages at Tilghman Beach, a community in North Myrtle Beach, have made multiple snake calls in 24 hours.

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Cavender said he has removed four cottonmouth snakes in the past two days.

“That doesn’t surprise me,” said one resident, Tim Frahm.

Frahm said he and his neighbors are used to seeing more snakes after it rains.

“Especially at night, when you’re outside, you better be careful around the ponds or in your doorways,” said Frahm. “The HOA sends out a notice over email that tells everyone to be careful.”

BAMBERG COUNTY FLOODING:

Cavender expects the rise in calls to continue over the next week as the water levels recede after the storm.

He wants people to be vigilant, as some of these snakes are venomous, but not to panic if they do come across a snake.

“They won’t come and outright try to grab you or try to attack you or try to bite you,” said Cavender. “They will bite once they feel threatened, cornered, and like they don’t have any other option. They can’t run, they don’t have arms and legs to kick and fight, so their next option is to bite.”

Cavender said the best course of action if you run into a snake is to keep your distance or walk around it. He also advises people to wear closed-toed shoes outside after storms.

SNAKE INSIGHTS:

• Nonvenomous snakes such as scarlet kingsnake, eastern hognose and watersnake species are frequently confused with their venomous counterparts – coral snakes, rattlesnakes and water moccasins, respectively.
• Although pit vipers are often identified by their broad, triangular-shaped heads, many nonvenomous snakes flatten their heads when threatened, which can make their heads appear triangular.
• While some snakes eat rodents and even venomous snakes, others prey on creatures some Georgians also may not want near their homes. Brown and red-bellied snakes, for example, feed on snails and slugs, the bane of gardeners. Crowned snake species primarily eat centipedes.
• To reduce the potential for snakes near your home, remove brush, log piles and other habitat features that attract mice, lizards and other animals on which snakes prey.

Mary Pruitt has studied snakes for years.

“No snake is out there looking to attack a human. We don’t have any snakes in Georgia that are big enough to eat a human, so it would be a waste of their energy to even try and come after you,” she said.

What if you encounter a snake and you’re afraid?

“The best thing to do is just leave them alone, go the other direction,” she said.

But whatever you do, she says don’t try killing it.

“Trying to kill one puts yourself in danger of being bit, so it’s best to just leave them alone,” she said.

What if one bites you?

• Don’t put ice on the affected area, even if it swells because ice can make the venom move faster through your system.
• Don’t take pain medications. That way when you get to urgent care, your doctor can better evaluate your body’s reaction to the bite and better determine whether you need antivenom treatment.
• To avoid a trip to the doctor, avoid snakes in the first place.

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