They have shiny black scales on their back and a light colored belly, and their throat and chin are white. Snakes play a valuable role in our ecosystems as both predator and prey, and killing them for no justifiable reason is contrary to the conservation mission of the Department. Non-venomous snakes have round pupils, no pit (just a nostril), and two rows of scales underneath their tail. It is also illegal to kill protected species of snakes. Mild winter brings more snakes to Virginia, but don't kill any (There are no rattlers in most of Virginia, including the Richmond area, according to the Virginia Herpetological Society, a conservation and educational group.). If the snake is coiled, you can place a trashcan over it, then slide stiff cardboard underneath to scoop up the snake. "Ive had many of them crawling close to the porch.". Illegally killing a snake is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. A two-year jail sentence and a $10,000 fine for killing snakes is what Mr. Jones said it would cost to kill them. You are strolling in a park on a summer day, and you've got flowers and birds - and snakes. And no, snakes won't chase you. Killing a snake doesn't help keep more snakes away, and even though you may be uneasy around snakes, they are important members of our ecosystem. Yet, we understand that seeing a black snake can cause concern, especially if its in your yard. You may never see a venomous cottonmouth. Indian law outlaws the act of killing a snake for any purpose; the law also prohibits the destruction of wild wildlife (includes endangered species). Watersnakes, however, will bask up to 20 feet above the water. Don't believe it. Keeping debris away from human places is helpful for rodent control. podcast. The Virginia Herpetologial Societys online section on snakes: http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/snakes_of_virginia.htm, Development and poaching erasing years of work to protect, Across the country, a big backlash to new renewables is, Updated: Who might and who wont be returning to the. are copperhead snakes protected in virginia? So if you are lucky enough to see a snake, put away the hoe and grab your camera. Why did the snake cross the road? Illinois reptiles migrate safely with For starters, snakes dont lie about in warm-weather nests., Every state has an urban legend of a water skier being attacked by a nest of cottonmouths after they fell in the water, Kleopfer said. Keep in mind that most snakes in Virginia, even if theyre venomous, are not aggressive. It grows up to 6 feet long and is the only snake in Virginia that reaches the 6-foot mark. (A canebrake is a type of swampy thicket a likely spot for snakes but not people.). The charge is a misdemeanor, but it can be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and one year in jail. We have established a snakehead hotline that anglers can use to report snakehead fish (804-367-2925). Its important to note that, in some cases, a person may be able to defend themselves against charges of killing a snake if they can prove that the snake posed an imminent threat to themselves or others. It shall be unlawful to take, possess, import, cause to be imported, export, cause to be exported, buy, sell, offer for sale or liberate within the Commonwealth any wild animal unless otherwise specifically permitted by law or regulation.

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