Beware of Snakes in SC

A warning is going out to outdoor lovers in the Palmetto State.  The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources wants residents and visitors to be aware of the snake population while enjoying the outdoors. While hiking, fishing, picnicking or just working in the yard, you will be sharing the outdoors with these common South Carolina reptiles. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources provides a website to assist with general information and identification of common snake species in the Upstate. The purpose of this site is to emphasize that snakes are part of our native wildlife, and to help expand information and appreciation about these unique and interesting animals. A major feature of the site is an invitation for the public to submit digital photos of snakes and the county where found for assistance in identification. Snakes are active in the Upstate throughout the warm months, typically from March through October. Mid-July through mid-September is the time when baby snakes are born.  Like the young of many wildlife species, they tend to wander in search of their own place to live. In doing this the stray youngsters are frequently encountered by people.  You can visit the DNR’s website at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/snakes/index.html to learn more about snakes in South Carolina.