Why snakes are the most ‘misunderstood’ animals in West Virginia

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — Although some people kill every snake they see, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) says snakes play an important role in the state’s healthy ecosystems.

According to the “Snakes Alive!” page on the WVDNR’s website , snakes are “one of the most misunderstood animals in West Virginia.” Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t be scared of all snakes in West Virginia.

They Prevent the Spread of Disease

West Virginia’s snakes help keep diseases like rabies at bay because they eat rodents and other pests that carry them. A study by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources found that a medium-sized snake eats up to nine pounds of rodents per year.

When snakes eat rodents, they also eat the ticks they are carrying, which helps prevent the spread of tickborne illnesses like Lyme disease.

“If not for snakes, our forests and your yard would probably be overrun with rodents and pests,” the WVDNR website says.

Even some smaller snakes in West Virginia, like rough and smooth green snakes, feed on pests like insects and spiders.

Most Snakes Aren’t Venomous

Out of the 23 species of snakes that live in West Virginia, only two of them are venomous. If you learn to identify those two—the northern copperhead and timber rattlesnake—there’s no need to be fearful.

In general, venomous snakes have vertical pupils, while non-venomous snakes have round pupils, but both of West Virginia’s venomous snakes have other features that make them fairly easy to identify.

Northern Copperhead – Copperheads are the most common venomous snakes in West Virginia. They are reddish-brown with dark hourglass markings on their backs. They can also be identified by their bright copper-colored head and pinkish bellies. They are usually about two feet long and never get larger than three feet, according to the WVDNR’s “Snakes of West Virginia” guide .

Timber Rattlesnake – Rattlesnakes can get larger than six feet and are the only snake in West Virginia with a segmented rattle at the end of their tale. They can also be identified by the chevron-shaped markings on their backs. Color-wise, they can range from yellow to dull gray, according to “Snakes of West Virginia.”

For more information about identifying venomous snakes in West Virginia and what to do if you encounter one, click here .

They Rarely Attack Humans

According to the WVDNR, it’s rare for snakes to attack humans; they normally only bite if they are provoked or feel threatened, like when someone tries to kill them or pick them up. They also will not chase a person, so if you encounter a snake, if you just move away from it without messing with it, it will leave you alone.

Even if a person is bitten by one of the 21 non-venomous snakes in West Virginia, the bites do not normally need medical attention.

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