Snakes

If you encounter a snake on the greenbelt or on the trails, don't panic!  Giving it a wide berth is the best thing to do. Let it be. Don't provoke it. It will likely try to get away from you as quickly as possible. While on the trails, be on the look out on rocky, sunny areas, logs across the trail, pockets of leaves, etc., but the chances of having any problems with a snake are very slim.  Like any wild animal, they're more afraid of you than you are of them.

In the rare occurrence that you are bitten, what should you do?   Most treatment for snake bites is pretty much the same, no matter the type of snake. You should get to the hospital as soon as possible for an anti-venom treatment.  The less movement, the better. Being calm is important. If you're by yourself, and it's your leg, try to hop out. If it's your hand, wrist, or arm, hold it as still as you can, and get help as quickly as you can. 

But know that even if a snake is venomous, they don't inflict a lot of venom in their bites; they're just being defensive, not trying to kill you.  With a coral snake bite, you can put a restrictive band, like an Ace bandage or a shoe string, over the skin to cut off the venom from spreading. 
 

Homeowners can take a number of steps to repel snakes from their lawns and gardens.

• Clear away piles of debris and leaves from your immediate gardening area.  Piles of brush or wood provide perfect hiding places for snakes. 
• Keep grass cut short and always trim around buildings and foundations.
• Eliminate the food source. If you have mice, rodents or insects around your home, they will attract snakes.
• Block access to dark damp areas such as under decks or porches. 
• Toss mothballs under porches to deter snakes, but use care around small children and pets. 
• Sprinkle snake repellent around the perimeter of your home.