Snake ID and control

Radio interview source: Brian MacGowan, Extension wildlife specialist, Purdue University

Listen here for the radio story

When you live in the country, you're going to encounter wildlife. When that wildlife comes in snake form, your first instinct might be to grab a shovel and do away with it. But snakes can actually be beneficial on an acreage, since they eat rats and mice. Listen to today's program to learn which snakes are harmless, which are poisonous, and how to safely get rid of them.

Learn more about snakes:

Snakes of North America: Browse a complete listing of snakes found on this continent, see photos of each, and learn about the characteristics of different snake families.

Reducing snake problems around homes: The most effective way to keep snakes away from your home is to make the area unattractive to them.

Treating snake bites: If you are bitten by a venomous snake, it's important that first aid is property and quickly administered.