Frequently asked questions about snakes:
Are Kiawah’s snakes dangerous?
No. There has not been a documented snake bite on the
Island in recent history. Snakes fear people and will retreat
when approached unless cornered. Most venomous snake
bites (more than 66 percent) in the U.S. occur when the
snake is either harassed or handled. If you encounter a snake,
simply leave it alone.
How common are venomous snakes on Kiawah?
Extremely rare. The most common venomous snake is the
copperhead, and I have only seen four in my 20 years on
Kiawah Island and none in the last five years. Most calls
involving copperheads turn out to be corn snakes. These two
snakes can be distinguished quite easily as described earlier.
What can I do to help?
If you encounter a snake in your yard, simply leave it alone.
Instruct your landscapers to refrain from killing snakes
they encounter on your property. If you have questions or
concerns about snakes or their identification, call Town Hall
at (843) 768-9166 and ask to speak to a biologist.
Snakes have been persecuted and killed for centuries
due to man’s fear and misunderstanding. This fear typically
overshadows the vital role of snakes in the ecosystem. In a
world without snakes, rats, and mice would devastate food
crops and cause countless economic and ecological problems.
The next time you see a snake, stop to think about the
good things that snakes do for Kiawah Island and enjoy the
encounter just as you would with any of the Island’s other
wildlife species. NK
Why should we want snakes on Kiawah?
Snakes are an essential component of our local ecosystem.
They provide food for larger animals and prey upon many
smaller species. They serve a vital role in reducing rat and
mice populations, especially around homes. At my house in
West Ashley, we have several rat snakes and black racers that
call our yard home. We see them almost daily, and my kids
even have names for them. They are providing our yard and
home with free pest control, and we are happy to have them.
Corn snake.
Black racer.
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