Snake Bites on the rise. Does weather play a part?

Snake sightings are on the rise and animal experts say keep your eyes peeled. That's the big warning from wildlife experts for anyone getting outside and enjoying the warmer weather.

Because we've had a mild winter with degrees consistently over 60 degrees the snakes are out,

Pictures of snakes are piling up on social media. That includes a picture I saw on Facebook from a personal friend Bill Russell. The photo shows a snake's head peeking up from out of the water at the pond in Bill's backyard. 

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Local snake experts say they have already seen a surge in snake calls.

A little more than month ago, in south Charlotte, a family's dog was attacked by a baby copperhead.  

The copperhead was hiding in the pine needles when it struck outside their house.

Stories like these should serve as a warning. From a woman's dashboard to a dishwasher, snakes can pop up virtually anywhere, including a Lowe's home improvement store. Last year a man was shopping for his wife in the garden center when he was bitten by a copperhead snake.

Photo Credit: Bill Russell

Changing lifestyles in the United States have increased the odds for snakebites.

With extensive urbanization and encroachment of housing developments into the natural habitats of snakes and other reptiles, children playing outdoors are at greater risk for encountering a snake and consequently suffering a snakebite,

Parents can help protect their kids by instructing them to wear long pants and boots when playing in tall grass or hiking, I had to remind my daughter of this over the weekend while playing in the field near our home. 

One common theme is that children out hiking or playing in tall grass get bitten while wearing flip-flops, Wearing the right shoes would help. People who are going rock climbing should be aware of rattlesnakes.

Tell your kids to keep away from snakes if they see them moving in the woods and not to pick them up, If they see a snake crossing a trail in front of them allow the snake to pass without disturbing it.

The best thing you can do with this situation as with all daily situations you encounter. Is to keep your eyes focused on your surroundings. Be safe outside and as always! Thank you for following Rowan County Weather!