A Montgomery Village police officer answered an older woman’s snake call last week and grabbed the animal barehanded, according to The Cool Down. The officer admitted afterward that it was his first time handling a snake.
The snake was in the woman’s yard, and the officer picked it up without any equipment. I read the full account on The Cool Down, which noted that the officer did not identify the species in the report.
This is not the first time a homeowner in Maryland has faced an unexpected snake. The state is home to 27 species of snakes, of which only two, the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead, are venomous. Most encounters in suburban areas involve harmless black rat snakes or garter snakes, which often enter yards while hunting rodents.
What to do if you find a snake
For a homeowner in Maryland, the safest approach is to leave the snake alone and call animal control or a licensed wildlife relocator. Many snakes are protected by state regulations and should not be harmed. If you are concerned about snakes entering your property, there are practical steps you can take ahead of time. I recommend reading up on how to snake-proof your yard, which covers clearing hiding spots, sealing entry points, and installing a proper snake fence.
The officer used his bare hands, but that is not a technique I would suggest for anyone without training. Even a non-venomous snake can deliver a painful bite. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources advises that you keep a safe distance and never try to catch or handle a snake yourself. If you find a snake at your children’s playground, you can also follow specific safety steps that protect everyone without anyone getting hurt.
The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.
