Snake in your yard?
Take a breath. Most snakes in Northeast Florida yards are non-venomous, and every one of them would rather leave than meet you. Here is exactly what to do.
Has anyone been bitten?
Call 911 now
Then call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222. Stay calm, stay still, take off rings and tight clothing.
Open the snakebite action planWhere is the snake?
Do this now
- Back up slowly.Give it at least a few big steps of room.
- Kids and pets inside.Close the door if it is in the garage or a room.
- Don’t grab it. Don’t kill it.Most bites happen when people try.
- Snap a photo from far away.Zoom in. A blurry photo is fine.
A volunteer will text you back with what it is and how we can help.
Why not just kill it?
Snakes eat the mice and rats around our homes, and the ticks that ride on them. Killing a snake is also how most bites happen. A relocated snake keeps doing its job somewhere safe.
Keep snakes from moving in
- Keep grass mowed.
- Remove brush piles.
- Wear leather gloves while gardening.
- Erect barriers to exclude snakes.
Is it venomous?
Only 6 of Florida’s 45 native snake species are venomous, and only 5 live in Northeast Florida. See the snake ID guide or play Venomous or Not?
Our relocators are volunteers. Texting a photo first lets us tell you what it is right away, and most of the time that is all you need.
