Many people are afraid of snakes, especially venomous ones, and that’s OK. It’s normal to feel fearful of creatures that could cause harm. But the best thing you can do to prevent snake bites is learn about snakes in your area and, most importantly, leave them alone.

Our top tips to prevent snake bites:

• Supervise kids and pets outdoors. Keep a close eye on what’s happening outside. This way, if a bite should occur, you’ll know what kind of critter was involved.
• Wear closed-toed shoes. Wear closed-toe shoes when your family is in the yard, on a walk, or on a hike. If someone is bitten, the bite is less likely to cause injury if everyone wears proper footwear.
• Avoid tall brush and overgrown plants. Snakes love taking cover under plants like English ivy and monkey grass. Avoid these areas while you’re out and about, and keep these areas trimmed if you have a yard.
• Clear play areas. Keep outdoor play areas free of debris, rocks, and leaves. These are also popular hangouts for snakes.
• Teach kids to respect wildlife. Most snake bites occur when people try to handle or harm the animal. If you come across a slithery friend, the best thing you can do is leave it alone. In fact, many snakes, such as king snakes and rat snakes, are good to have around as they control rodent populations.
• Learn about common snakes in your area. The more you know about wildlife in your area, the better. But it’s especially important to know about venomous snakes. Learning how to identify them can ease some fears. You can even test your knowledge by joining snake ID groups on social media.

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