A snake story

First, I'd like to tell you my snake tale and after the story I'll pass on some important information. As much as we'd rather not think about snakes, see snakes or have one as a pet, there are snakes in Fairfax and Loudoun County.

About nine years ago we lived in San Antonio and I'd just pulled into our garage. I rounded the front of my car to get my son, then an infant, out of the car when I saw a snake slither under the car. I didn't really get a good look at it and had no desire to see it up close.

My daughter, four years old at the time, wanted to see it but I put her in the house and locked the door and quickly contemplated what I should do. I could call my husband, but it would take him 20 minutes to get home. I certainly wasn't going to go back around to get my son out of the car as the snake might come back towards me. So, I climbed into the car and backed out of the garage. I saw my target and pulled back into the garage, running over it. I backed out over it, pulled in again. I don't know how many times I did that, I just wanted to make sure that snake was dead!

After work when my husband came home he laughed at the fact that I'd used a something as large as a car to kill what turned out to be a garter snake. I didn't care what kind of snake it was. The important thing was it would no longer bother me or my family. I actually felt a sense of accomplishment.

Now that you're all done laughing, here's the bad news. Sightings of Copperhead snakes are up this year in Fairfax County. According to several sources I've seen online, Copperhead snake bites have been reported across the county in Dranesville (Riverbend Park), Hunter Mill (Reston) and in Clifton.

Virginia is home to three poisonous snake species, the Timber Rattlesnake, the Cottonmouth and the Copperhead. Fairfax County is also home to 18 non-venomous snake species. While death from snake bites is rare, it's important to remember they can be painful and cause the following symptoms: swelling and bruising, sweating, weakness, nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching and a metallic taste in the mouth. It's imperative to seek medical attention if humans or pets are bitten.

A snake you're more likely to see near your home is the non-venomous Black Rat Snake. According to a story written by Peggy Pox of 9 News Now, it's bolder than the Copperhead and its young are often mistaken for Copperheads because they have mottled grey and black skin. However, the pattern is not the same as the Copperhead.

Fairfax County wildlife biologist Vicky Monroe recommends the following safety tips:
- Keep grass and vegetation mowed short on private property. Snakes like to hunt in tall grass
- Stay on the sidewalk and park trails
- Supervise children at all times
- Do not approach a Copperhead -- NEVER pick up a snake
- Keep dogs on a lease at all times
- Do not overturn rocks or logs
- Wear protective clothing when outdoors

If you are bitten by a snake:
- Stay calm
- Do not apply a tourniquet
- Do not attempt to suck out the poison
- Keep body part immobilized and area level with heart
- Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital

For more information or to report a copperhead incident, contact Vicky Monroe at 703-324-0240.