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Common snakes found in the Hudson Valley

Story and photo by Kathy Eastwood, Staff Writer

Many people get frightened when encountering a snake, especially if surprised by one resting on a rock, near trash piles or skulking out from the clothes dryer.

Although most snakes encountered at West Point are non-venomous, caution is still advised as nonvenomous snakes can bite when handled or startled. Both venomous and non-venomous snakes rarely attack people. Aggressive snake behavior is defensive, and its attack posture is a bluff. There are two venomous snake species that have been sighted at West Point.

One venomous species is the timber rattlesnake. It’s a species that is also considered threatened in New York, according to the New York State Department of Environment Conservation at www.dec.ny.gov/.

Timber rattlesnake sightings have occurred in the area from Lee housing to the motor pool close to N.Y. Route 218. They are identified by their stocky bodies and broad heads. They have bands of a yellow/black or gray/black pattern, which run horizontally from the belly, across the back and end at the belly.

In spite of the rattlesnakes’ deadly potential, they often will try to escape first, bluff an attack second and bite last. There are no records of anyone being bitten by a rattlesnake at West Point and no recorded bites in New York in the past several decades.

Northern copperheads, another common venomous snake known in the lower Hudson Valley, have been seen on post and are fairly widespread. Copperheads have a brilliant orange/ tan banding and can perfectly blend in with the fallen autumn leaves. The body is chunky, and the snake has a broad head with hour-glass shaped bands. This snake prefers rocks and ledges, where it can often be found basking in the sun.

The copperhead is more likely to bite than the timber rattlesnake, and there have been a few copperhead bites at West Point. A cadet hiking near the Lee housing area was bitten sometime before graduation.

The venom of the copperhead is only mildly toxic. It usually requires treatment with an antibiotic to prevent infections, and the bite can be very painful.

If a venomous snake bites, remain calm. Keeping the heart rate down will slow the spread of venom to the rest of the body. Move as little as possible and keep the bitten part below the level of the heart.

Remove jewelry or tight clothes because venom causes tissues to swell. Rings or other constrictions can increase tissue damage.

Things not to do after a snake bite also are:

• Do not cut, shock, burn or freeze the wound;

• Do not apply a tourniquet;

• Do not take or give alcohol.

All snakebites will at least require first aid and antiseptic, while bites from venomous snakes require immediate medical attention. Keller Army Community Hospital is close, so do not delay hospital treatment. The only sure method of treating a serious venomous snakebite is antivenin, an antidote to snake venom, which is available under a doctor’s care.

Several nonvenomous snakes are also common in the West Point area. A common snake is the eastern garter snake, which has a thin black body with three yellow to cream-colored bands running head to tail. These snakes can enter houses, especially in the fall when they are looking for a place to hibernate. They are not harmful and can usually be handled without being bitten.

The northern water snake has been seen in all West Point lakes and ponds. This snake has irregular reddish brown bands across a lighter-colored back.

The water snake is often mistaken for a water moccasin or cottonmouth. Water moccasins are not present in New York. Although the water snake is harmless, think twice before trying to catch it. The water snake can have a rather nasty disposition if handled, Christopher Pray, a natural resource specialist at West Point, said.

The black rat snake is fairly large, up to five feet or more in length and is often seen on the reservation. It is a plain black snake with a checkered belly and a slim, muscular body. It will sometimes enter buildings in search of mice and nesting birds or when looking for a place to spend the winter. This is a gentle snake and seldom bites when handled.

The hognose snake is chunky and broad-headed and may be either jet black or banded black and white. This snake can appear to have a menacing behavior, but it is just an act. When cornered, this snake will flatten its head like a cobra, hiss loudly, coil and strike at the air. If this display fails, it will actually roll over and play dead with its tongue sticking out of its mouth.

The hognose almost never bites and has been found on post hiding in stone retaining walls for shelter. When encountering a snake, don’t panic. Even though many people won’t be able to identify a particular snake, it is always a good idea to take a good look at the animal. Observe the size, colors, pattern, where the snake was found and what it was doing when found. This will help professionals trying to catch the snake know what to expect. To report a snake sighting at West Point, call Pest Control at 938-2316 or 938-4050. Pest control will inspect the area in which the snake was last seen in an attempt to catch it.

Natural Resources also will remove snakes. If the snake is a New York state protected timber rattlesnake, it cannot be moved or interfered with in any way without a permit. Natural Resources have these permits and the experience and equipment for handling venomous snakes.

Natural Resources can be reached at 938-7122 or 938-2314.