Snakes, Spiders, and Ticks: Our Neighbors That Slither and Crawl by Sarah Amyot “AHHH WHAT’S THAT?!” is a common phrase that I use as the warmer weather approaches, and my family and I spend more time outside. If you are like me, encountering a snake, spider, or tick can make you go from zero to 100 in a heartbeat. So, I connected with Sarah Witcher, a Natural Resources Biologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Miri Talabac, a Horticulturist with the University of Maryland (UMD) Extension to debunk common myths and help me understand these creatures that slither and crawl.
SNAKES Fear of even non-venomous snakes is natural, because they move differently and seem unpredictable. According to Sarah Witcher from the Maryland DNR, “Ecologically speaking, snakes are our best allies in terms of pest control. They eat things we don’t want in our homes, including rodents and insects, and play a vital part in the food web.” There are 27 species and subspecies of snakes in Maryland, with only two venomous ones: timber rattlesnakes that live in Western Maryland, and copperheads that you may see around water and rocky abutments. Snakes are generally very shy and avoid confrontation with people. UMD Extension receives regular identification requests for four common snakes that might be found in homes and gardens, including the Eastern ratsnake, common garter snake, common watersnake (often mistaken for a copperhead), and De Kay’s brownsnake. If you come across a snake in your home, call a wildlife specialist to help you remove it. Did you know? • Despite several claimed sightings, the venomous Cottonmouth snake does not live in Maryland. • It is illegal to kill a snake in Maryland.¹ The Maryland DNR has guides to help you learn more about our slithering neighbors including photos, habitat and other information. • Maryland Snakes • Common Snakes of Maryland Photo Guide • Venomous Snakes of Maryland
Common watersnake, also known as the Northern watersnake. Often found in or near water, they have a reputation for not being shy about biting if handled or harassed, though they are not venomous. Photo Credit: Miri Talabec, University of Maryland Extension
Adult Eastern ratsnake. Photo Credit: Richard Orr, submitted to Maryland DNR
A juvenile Eastern ratsnake, before they develop the mostly-black coloration of older individuals. Photo Credit: Miri Talabec, University of Maryland Extension
Smooth green snake, one of Maryland’s smaller species, which is only between the thickness of a pencil and a Sharpie. A treat to see, since they are shy and well-camouflaged, and may even be up in tree branches or hunting for insects in grassy or weedy path edges. Photo Credit: Miri Talabec, University of Maryland Extension
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