Delaware
5 most snake-infested lakes and ponds in Delaware. What you need to know before going out
Slithery intruder makes appearance on beach
A huge snake was spotted making its way across the beach in Ocean City, Maryland. Luckily, the reptile was not venomous.
If you head to Rehoboth Beach and walk into the Atlantic Ocean, you know there’s something in the water.
From sharks to jellyfish, you know you’re entering their house and proceed cautiously.
But what about Delaware’s lakes? No, there aren’t any sharks, but other nightmare fuel is lingering in the water.
Delaware’s lakes and ponds have snakes floating and slithering in the water. While the danger level might not be as high as Florida’s, it’s still something to watch out for.
Here’s a look at the five most snake-infested lakes and ponds in Delaware, according to worldatlas.com.
Lums Pond
The pond, located in Lums Pond State Park, has numerous varieties of snakes. However, the inlets and small islands are perfect for northern water snakes to bask in the sun. The snakes thrive on fish and amphibians and benefit from the surrounding forest and wetlands.
Trap Pond
Trap Pond, located in Trap Pond State Park, is noted for its cypress swamp. The bald cypress trees and the tree’s root structure provide a great hiding place and basking spot for eastern garter snakes and northern water snakes.
Silver Lake
Located in Dover, Silver Lake is lined with trees and vegetation, making it a great place for snakes. The northern water snake is seen here, but eastern kingsnakes are also occasionally seen in the wooded areas of the lake.
Garrison Lake
Garrison Lake is a popular spot in Kent County for fishing and boating. The marshy areas and dense vegetation are perfect habitats for northern water snakes, eastern garter snakes, and eastern rat snakes. The wetlands are attractive to snakes due to the abundance of prey and the availability of cover.
Red Mills Pond
Red Mills Pond, located near Lewes, has a rich biodiversity supporting numerous amphibians and small mammals, which attract snakes. Among the snakes you may see in and around the pond are the northern water snake, eastern ribbon snake and eastern ribbon snake.
The above snakes are nonvenomous. However, you will still want to use caution around them.
Delaware
Where to find warming centers in Delaware during freezing temps
A video of tips on how to clean your snow boots and keep them in great condition.
A video of tips on how to clean your snow boots and keep them in great condition.
As temperatures fall, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services will open multiple warming stations to provide shelter for anyone in need starting Jan. 28.
These stations will offer Delawareans “a safe, warm space to get relief from the cold,” according to a post from the department on the social media platform Facebook issued Jan. 27.
Temperatures through Jan. 30 are expected to be below freezing, with another chance of snow predicted for this weekend, according to a recent National Weather Service report.
The warming centers will include facilities located in all three counties, including Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown.
Here’s what Delawareans should know.
Delaware warming stations
New Castle County
Canby Park Office, 1920 Maryland Ave., Wilmington
Churchman’s Corporate Center, 84 Christiana Road, New Castle
Claymont State Service Center, 3301 Green St., Claymont
Kent County
James W. Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover
Smyrna State Service Center, 200 South DuPont Blvd., Suite 101, Smyrna
Sussex County
Anna C. Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Ave., Seaford
Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar St., Laurel
Thurman Adams State Service Center, 546 S. Bedford St. Georgetown
Delaware warming station hours
Stations will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 28. Stations will remain open throughout the remainder of the week, through Jan. 30.
These centers will provide space to residents in need of “a safe, warm place to go,” according to the Facebook post.
How to stay warm
With winter now in full force, residents are urged to take the necessary steps to stay safe as the weather turns cold.
This includes making sure your homes “can be safely heated” and you always have crucial items on hand in case of an emergency, including non-perishable and pet foods, water and medicine.
Delawareans are also encouraged to have a driving kit in their car this winter.
Items should include blankets or sleeping bags, extra warm clothing, first-aid supplies, drinking water and shelf-stable food items like protein or energy bars and trail mix.
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.
Delaware
Delaware Senate Democrats oppose more ICE funding after Minneapolis shootings
What are journalists missing from the state of Delaware? What would you most like WHYY News to cover? Let us know.
Delaware’s congressional delegation is calling President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown lawless and vowing to oppose more money for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The effort to vote down additional DHS funding this week comes after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents, respectively, this month in Minneapolis. Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year old mom, was killed Jan. 7, and Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs intensive care nurse, died at the hands of federal officers last week.
U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware said federal agents are wreaking havoc on all Americans, and that this is a pivotal moment for the country.
“It is incumbent upon all of us to do whatever we can in this moment,” she said. “Delawareans, we’re known as a state of neighbors, and I hope that that sentiment stays with us and spreads across the country, because we need it now more than ever.”
The Trump administration, as well as the president himself, have blamed the victims for their deaths. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called Good a “domestic terrorist.” She said Pretti was “brandishing a weapon,” although bystander video shows Pretti holding a cellphone and trying to help a woman who had been pepper sprayed. Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino said Pretti intended to “massacre law enforcement agents.”
DHS received $75 billion in the massive tax and spending bill Republicans passed this summer, known as the “one big, beautiful bill.” Senators are currently scheduled to vote Thursday on six “minibus” appropriation bills to fund the government. If those fail, a partial government shutdown could begin as soon as midnight Friday. Senate Democrats want the DHS funding bill to get a separate vote from the other bills.
Delaware
Delaware needs to take care of littering
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