With warmer temperatures occurring, you need to be careful about encountering snakes outside in different areas of your yard, in parks, or in the woods and fields. Remember to be observant and to teach your children about snake bite prevention. Use common sense and never reach under rocks, bushes, or other areas where you cannot see and where a snake may be living. Most people get bitten on the hands or feet when they inadvertently step on a snake, or reach where they cannot see.

Most of the 27 species and subspecies of snakes found in Maryland are not venomous like the Northern brown snakes, rat snakes and garter snakes. However, there are two types of venomous snakes found in Maryland. They are the eastern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake (not found in Charles County).  The eastern copperhead snake is venomous and found in Charles County.  Do not attempt to capture or handle it.  They will bite if provoked, and the bites are extremely painful.  Seek medical attention immediately if bitten.