If you are lucky enough to live in an area that is home to coral snakes, you should know what to do if you find one in your yard. Coral snakes have a distinctive pattern of colors and bands that make them easy to identify.
However, if you are not familiar with this snake, it can be very confusing when trying to determine if it is a venomous coral snake or one of its look-alikes.
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Take immediate caution when encountering a coral snake in your yard. |
| Maintain a safe distance and avoid unnecessary interaction with the snake. |
| Contact a professional snake removal service or local wildlife authorities for assistance. |
| Remember the phrase “Red touch yellow, kill a fellow; red touch black, venom lack” to help identify coral snakes. |
| Do not attempt to handle or capture the snake yourself. |
| Seek medical attention immediately if bitten by a coral snake. |
| Keep your yard free of debris and potential snake hiding spots to minimize the chance of encounters. |
| Educate yourself about coral snakes and their behavior for better preparedness. |
| Always prioritize safety when dealing with venomous snakes like coral snakes. |
Do Not Handle The Snake
The most important thing you can do is don’t touch the snake. If you find a coral snake in your yard, leave it alone—and call an expert. According to experts at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), “the best way to identify a coral snake is to keep your distance and observe its behavior.”
If you are bitten by a coral snake, seek medical attention immediately. Coral snakes’ bites are rarely fatal if treated right away with antivenom but can lead to infection if left untreated.
Encountering common garter snakes in your yard can be unnerving, but there are effective ways to handle the situation. Check out our guide on getting rid of common garter snakes to learn practical methods for ensuring a snake-free environment.
Don’t Panic, It Helps No One
You’ve found a coral snake in your yard, so you’re understandably nervous. You want to run away and let your mom handle it, but this is an emergency and if you act like a chicken now, chances are good that the snake will feel threatened and bite you.
So instead of doing anything rash, take these steps:
Stay calm! Don’t panic or yell; don’t try to kill the snake by stomping on it or throwing stuff at it (or hitting yourself over the head with a shovel).
Try not to move very much at all; stand still and try not to wave around wildly while breathing heavily into your shirt collar like Michael Myers did when he was attacked by bees in Halloween II (1981).
This will help keep everyone safe from accidental bites as well as prevent people from freaking out too hard on social media about how “this person just got bit by a coral snake!!”
| Situation | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Emergency | Stay calm, assess the situation, and take appropriate action. |
| Conflict | Maintain composure, listen actively, and seek a peaceful resolution. |
| Stressful | Practice deep breathing, engage in self-care activities, and seek support from others. |
| Uncertainty | Gather information, analyze options, and make informed decisions. |
| Time pressure | Prioritize tasks, focus on essentials, and delegate when possible. |
Move slowly and quickly
You should move slowly, but quickly. You want to avoid startling the snake or causing it to strike you. If it does not feel threatened, it will usually try to escape by crawling away from you.
If you are bitten, get medical help immediately and call a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if they recommend one in your area (check with your local hospital). Do not use tourniquets or apply ice packs as these can make the injury worse by preventing clotting of blood around the bite site.
When your pet snake refuses to eat, it can be concerning. Understanding the possible reasons behind their behavior is essential. Explore our article on what to do when your snake won’t eat to find helpful tips and insights into encouraging your snake’s appetite.
Evacuate The Area
The first thing you should do is evacuate the area. If it is possible and safe to do so, move away from the snake and toward a populated area or public building.
Take some friends with you, but don’t go back for anything unless it’s absolutely necessary and then just grab what you need and get out quickly!
If there’s no place nearby where you can safely take shelter, try to find something that will give you an advantage over the snake.
This could be anything from a stick or rock that can help keep it at bay until someone else comes by with help (or until they call 911), to an umbrella or jacket draped over your head so that if the snake strikes, its venomous fangs won’t reach you as easily.
The last thing we want anyone doing is trying to kill this creature themselves; coral snakes are very fast and aggressive when provoked, even when their lives aren’t threatened by human beings who think they know more about handling dangerous animals than experts do!
Looking for natural ways to keep snakes away from your yard? Certain tree species can act as deterrents. Read our firsthand experience and insights on trees that keep snakes away to discover which trees can help create a snake-resistant environment.
Do Not Touch The Snake At All
Do not touch the snake at all. Do not attempt to move the snake, pick it up, kill it or trap it. The coral snake is one of only a few species of venomous snakes in North America, which means that its bite can be deadly if left untreated.
| Instruction | Action |
|---|---|
| Approach | Maintain a safe distance and do not attempt to touch the snake. |
| Observation | Observe the snake from a safe distance and avoid any sudden movements. |
| Identification | If necessary, take note of the snake’s physical characteristics for identification purposes. |
| Safety precautions | Wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, when dealing with venomous snakes. |
| Expert assistance | Contact a professional snake handler or local wildlife authorities for safe removal or assistance. |
Keep Your Dog Away From The Snake
If you have a dog, it’s important to keep him away from the coral snake if possible. While most snakes are not poisonous in the US, coral snakes are one of the few that can actually kill your dog if they bite them. Even if they don’t die, though, coral snake bites will cause a ton of pain and discomfort for your pet.
If you can’t figure out how to get your dog away from the coral snake without putting yourself at risk of being bitten by the snake or causing harm to yourself or others in your home (such as children), then call animal control immediately!
Monitoring your corn snake’s digestive health is crucial for their overall well-being. If you’re wondering why your corn snake is not pooping, our detailed article on corn snake digestion provides expert advice and guidance to address this concern.
Notify Animal Control Immediately
Notify Animal Control immediately. They will be able to help you find the snake and get rid of it safely.
Call your local police department or 911 if you don’t have a phone number for animal control in your area. If someone is bitten by a coral snake, call 911 immediately, because treatment must begin within 30 minutes of being bitten by a coral snake to prevent paralysis or death.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Locate the contact information for your local Animal Control department. |
| Step 2 | Call the designated Animal Control phone number or emergency line, if applicable. |
| Step 3 | Provide the necessary details, such as the location and description of the situation. |
| Step 4 | Follow any additional instructions given by the Animal Control representative. |
| Step 5 | Stay nearby to guide Animal Control personnel, if required, while maintaining a safe distance. |
Let Professionals Handle The Snake
If you’re unsure of the snake’s species, leave it alone and call experts who know what to do. Call Animal Control or your local wildlife agency if you believe it is a coral snake; they will be able to safely remove the reptile from your yard without harming it.
Curious about what snakes eat and their dietary preferences? Discover the fascinating world of snake feeding habits, including their appetite for skinks, in our informative piece on what snakes eat, including skinks. Expand your knowledge of snake behavior and feeding patterns.
Conclusion
We hope that this information helps you feel more comfortable when encountering coral snakes in your yard. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us immediately so that we can help. We have a team of experts waiting to take your call!
Further Reading
Snake-Removal: Coral Snakes – A comprehensive resource providing information about coral snakes, their identification, behavior, and tips for snake removal.
Smith’s Pest Management: How to Get Rid of Snakes – This blog post offers practical advice and effective methods for getting rid of snakes, including prevention tips and professional snake removal services.
University of Florida IFAS Extension: Coral Snakes – An educational publication from the University of Florida that covers various aspects of coral snakes, including their biology, habitat, and guidance on snakebite prevention.
Now, here’s the FAQs section based on the semantic of the TITLE:
FAQs
What are the distinguishing characteristics of coral snakes?
Coral snakes are known for their distinct color patterns, typically featuring bands of red, yellow, and black. Remember the phrase “Red touch yellow, kill a fellow; red touch black, venom lack” to help distinguish coral snakes from similar-looking non-venomous species.
Are coral snakes venomous?
Yes, coral snakes are venomous. Their venom contains neurotoxins that can affect the nervous system of their prey or potential predators, including humans. It’s essential to exercise caution when encountering coral snakes.
What should I do if I find a coral snake in my yard?
If you come across a coral snake in your yard, it’s best to maintain a safe distance and avoid any unnecessary interaction. Contact a professional snake removal service or local wildlife authorities to handle the situation safely and appropriately.
Are there any natural methods to repel coral snakes?
While there is no foolproof method to repel coral snakes, keeping your yard free of debris, clutter, and potential snake hiding spots can reduce the likelihood of their presence. Regularly inspecting and sealing any gaps or cracks in your home’s foundation can also help prevent their entry.
What should I do if I get bitten by a coral snake?
In case of a coral snake bite, seek immediate medical attention. Call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital. Do not attempt any home remedies or interventions, as proper medical treatment is crucial to manage and counteract the effects of coral snake venom.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.