SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
As summer arrives and Alabamians flock to state parks, forests, and trails, they’re not the only ones becoming more active. Warmer temperatures mean increased movement from the state’s 40 native snake species — including six venomous ones, three of which are rattlesnakes.
While snakes often inspire fear, herpetologists and wildlife experts stress that most snakes are harmless and play a vital role in local ecosystems.
“Nobody is apathetic about rattlesnakes,” said Jimmy Stiles, a snake expert at Auburn University. “They’re charismatic creatures.”
And despite the anxiety they can cause, snakebites are rarely fatal. In Alabama, the average number of snakebite-related deaths is only one every 10 years, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
🐍 Meet Alabama’s 3 Rattlesnakes
1. Pygmy Rattlesnake
Size: Less than 2 feet
Alias: “Ground rattler”
Where to Spot: More common in south Alabama, especially Baldwin and Mobile counties
Behavior: Can be aggressive or motionless. Active in late summer, especially late afternoons
Warning: Buzz-like rattle is hard to hear
Despite its size and less triangular head, its bite can still be serious.
“Don’t let the small size fool you,” Stiles cautioned.
2. Timber Rattlesnake
Size: Up to 6 feet
Alias: Canebreak rattlesnake
Habitat: Found in rural woods statewide
Appearance: Black chevrons, gold dorsal stripe, black tail
Behavior: Attracted to bird or deer feeders due to prey animals
“When you feed wildlife, you’re creating a food chain,” Stiles noted.
3. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Claim to Fame: Largest rattlesnake in the world
Size: Up to 8 feet long
Location: Lower third of Alabama, in longleaf pine forests
Appearance: Bold black diamonds outlined in yellow
Venom: Highest venom yield in North America
Their population is declining, and conservationists are pushing to list them as a federally protected species. It is illegal in Alabama to capture or sell them or their parts.
“They seem to know they’re dangerous,” Stiles said. “They’re not going to approach people.”
🚫 What To Do If You See a Snake
According to Stiles, the best advice is simple: “Stay away from it.”
Most people are bitten not because snakes chase them, but because they don’t see them.
Tips to avoid unwanted encounters:
Use a flashlight when walking in the woods at night
Watch where you step and avoid reaching blindly under logs or rocks
Don’t attempt to kill or handle the snake — it increases the chance of being bitten
If the snake is in your yard or home, call a wildlife removal specialist
As a last resort, Stiles suggests spraying a snake with a water hose from a safe distance — it will go the other way.
🩺 What To Do (and Not Do) If You’re Bitten
“None of the things you see in the movies you should do — unless it’s going to the hospital,” Stiles warned.
❌ Do NOT:
Suck out the venom
Use a tourniquet
Apply ice or use a snakebite kit
Cut the wound
Bring the snake (dead or alive) to the hospital
✅ Do:
Remove rings or tight clothing near the bite
Keep the person calm and immobilize the affected limb
Seek emergency care immediately — go to a hospital with an ER, not urgent care
If possible, take a photo of the snake from a safe distance for ID
Elevate the limb to heart level for bites from pit vipers (e.g., rattlesnakes, copperheads)
Don’t drive yourself to the ER
“The hospital doesn’t want the snake,” Stiles added. “It will just cause problems.”
Snakebite treatment has evolved significantly in the last 25 years. Organizations like National Snakebite Support can provide valuable guidance while you get help.
🧠 Final Reminder: Respect, Don’t Fear
Of Alabama’s 40 snake species, only six are venomous — and all six can be avoided with awareness and caution. Understanding their behavior, recognizing their patterns, and giving them space are the best ways to stay safe.
“The snake is in its habitat,” Stiles said. “Just let it go on its way.”