As the weather warms up, Virginia families are spending more time outdoors – and that means more chances to spot sssssnakes. So far in 2025, the Blue Ridge Poison Center at UVA Health has already received 24 calls about snake bites, and it’s not even June! Nationwide, about 3,000 venomous snake bites are reported each year, but fatalities are rare. With the right knowledge, these encounters are treatable and preventable.
Let’s break down what every family should know about snakes in Virginia, how to stay safe, and what to do if a bite occurs.
How Many Snakes in Virginia Are Dangerous?
Virginia is home to around 30 species of snakes, most of which are harmless to humans and pets. However, there are three venomous species:
- Copperhead – recognizable by its coppery head and hourglass pattern.
- Timber rattlesnake – identified by its rattle and dark banding.
- Cottonmouth (water moccasin) – known for its thick body and white mouth lining.
All three are part of the pit viper family, meaning they have heat-sensing pits, triangular heads, and cat-like (elliptical) pupils.
Parent Tip: Never approach a snake to identify it. Patterns and colors vary by age and shedding, and snakes can move lightning-fast if threatened. Stay back and assume it might be venomous.
What Happens If You’re Bitten by a Venomous Snake?
Venomous snake bites can cause:
- Intense, spreading pain
- Fang puncture wounds
- Severe swelling and bruising
- Nausea, vomiting, sweating
- Weakness or dizziness
- Muscle twitching
Snakebite First Aid: What Parents Should Do
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Stay calm and limit movement to slow venom spread.
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Call 911 or the Blue Ridge Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) for guidance.
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Wash the bite with soap and water if possible.
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Remove tight items like jewelry or clothing near the bite.
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Elevate the limb slightly below heart level and immobilize it.
What Not to Do:
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Don’t cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
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Don’t apply ice or a tourniquet.
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Don’t give alcohol or drugs.
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Don’t panic – help is available!
How Can Families Prevent Snake Encounters?
Snakes prefer to stay hidden and avoid humans. To minimize risks in your yard:
- Keep grass trimmed and remove debris or woodpiles.
- Seal holes around foundations, doors, and windows.
- Control rodents – snakes are drawn to easy prey like mice.
- Use a flashlight at night when walking outdoors.
- Wear shoes and long pants in grassy or rocky areas.
Myth-Buster: Mothballs and chemical repellents don’t deter snakes and may harm pets or wildlife.
How Do I Keep Snakes Out of My Yard?
Snakes want to live where they can easily find food and hide from predators. Keep the area around your home mowed and free of pests, debris, and woodpiles. Mothballs and other chemical deterrents do not work, and could poison other wildlife or pets.
Parent Tip: Help your kids understand snakes and discourage fearfulness. Awaken curiousity with a visit to the nearby Virginia Reptile Museum where they can have lots of positive interactions – and learn a lot!
Snakes: Nature’s Pest Control
While snakes might be scary, they play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations like rats, mice, and voles – which are more likely to spread disease and damage property. Keeping a respectful distance from snakes benefits both people and nature. Having snakes in your yard is a good thing as they are an important part of our ecosystem. They control these pest populations which can be harmful to our health.
Quick Parent-Friendly Recap
- Virginia has 3 venomous snake species – copperhead, timber rattlesnake, and cottonmouth.
- Stay back from any snake; assume it could be venomous.
- If bitten, call 911 or the Poison Center, stay calm, and follow first aid steps.
- Prevention is key – keep yards tidy and teach kids to be cautious in snake-prone areas.
For more information and expert guidance, visit the Virginia Herpetological Society and the Blue Ridge Poison Center.