A snake at your children's playground requires immediate containment and professional removal. Snakes may be attracted to playgrounds by rodents, insects, or shade.
Most playground snakes are non-venomous, but any snake near children should be treated with caution. This guide covers what to do.
Key Takeaways
- Get all children away from the snake immediately. Do not run or scream.
- Identify the snake from a safe distance. If you cannot identify it, assume it is venomous.
- Call a professional for removal. Do not try to handle the snake yourself around children.
- Remove hiding spots and food sources from the playground area to prevent future incidents.
In This Guide
Emergency Steps
- Get all children away from the snake. Calmly tell them to walk, not run, to a safe distance. Do not scream or make sudden movements.
- Identify the snake from a safe distance (at least 15 feet). Note its color, pattern, head shape, and size.
- Call a professional wildlife control operator. Do not try to remove the snake yourself with children nearby.
- Keep the playground closed until the snake has been removed and the area is safe.
- If a child is bitten, keep the child calm, immobilize the bitten limb below heart level, and call 911 immediately. Do not cut or suck the wound.
Playground Snake Prevention
For more, read our snake barrier guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What snakes are commonly found in playgrounds?
Garter snakes, rat snakes, and black racers are the most common playground snakes. These are non-venomous. In warmer regions, copperheads and rattlesnakes may also be found. Any snake near children should be treated with caution.
How do I snake-proof a playground?
Install snake-proof fencing with 1/4 inch mesh around the playground. Keep grass short, remove wood chips, and inspect the area daily. Remove bird feeders and other food sources that attract rodents.
Should I teach children what to do if they see a snake?
Yes. Teach children to: stop, back away slowly, do not run or scream, tell an adult immediately, and never try to touch or pick up a snake. This training can prevent panic and reduce the risk of bites.
How can I tell if a playground snake is venomous?
From a safe distance, look for a triangular head (venomous) vs round head (non-venomous).
Venomous snakes also have thicker bodies and vertical slit pupils. However, these features can be hard to see from a distance. If you cannot identify it, treat it as venomous.
The Bottom Line
A snake at your children's playground requires immediate action. Get children away, identify the snake from a safe distance, and call a professional.
Do not try to handle the snake yourself. After removal, prevent future incidents by installing snake-proof fencing, keeping grass short, removing wood chips, and inspecting the playground daily. Teach children to stop, back away, and tell an adult if they see a snake.
