While outdoors, especially in wooded areas, it’s crucial to remain highly vigilant due to the presence of potentially hazardous insects. A recent Facebook post from Missouri Wildlife presented a challenge to the online community, urging them to identify hidden elements within the dried foliage. The caption emphasized the importance of carefully observing every step in the woods.
Numerous users struggled to discern anything in the photo, with some expressing skepticism. “They’re just teasing you. There isn’t actually a snake there!” commented one person, while another marveled at the impressive camouflage, admitting, “I still haven’t spotted it, and I usually can.”
After many failed to spot what they believed to be a snake on the photo, Missouri Wildlife added another photo on which they circled the serpent. “Once you see it you can’t unsee it, but I sure struck out without your marking it!” someone commented.
The snake is a venomous Copperhead snake that is among the most common in North America. Although their venom is relatively mild and their bites are rarely fatal for humans, the hemotoxins in the venom which can temporarily destroy muscle tissue, attack the circulatory system, and cause respiratory problems. These snakes’ sharp fangs which damage the skin substitute for their lack of poison.
If treated, the bite is reversible.
Being pit vipers, like rattlesnakes and water moccasins, copperhead snakes have “heat-sensory pits between eye and nostril on each side of head,” which are able to detect minute differences in temperatures so that the snakes can accurately strike the source of heat, which is often potential prey, as explained by Live Science.
According to research, out of 7,000 to 8,000 snake bites across the U.S. each year about 2,920 of the bites are from copperheads.
Recently, a dog owner in Fairfax, Virginia, called K2C Wildlife Encounters after finding three Copperheads hiding in the grass.
Wildlife control representatives were able to find the tricky snakes thanks to their expertise, experience, and their eagle-eyes. Later, they posted two images of the snakes hiding in the grass and asked people to spot them themselves. “Need to draw a red hat on it so we can do a Where’s Waldo,” one person commented under the photo. The other photo showed the snakes inside a red bucket.
“Look what happens when you have copperheads in leaves,” K2C Wildlife Encounters wrote in a Facebook post. “Magic, they disappear!”
“Snakes are often demonized in the media, and then myths and urban legends play on those created fears,” Bonnie Keller, K2C Wildlife Encounters cofounder, said. “Snakes of any species are much less likely to cause you harm than a dog, horse, cat [or] even a rabbit.”
Keller urged those living in areas where snakes are likely to be to get informed.
“Learn about your local snakes so that you understand what they look like and where they are most likely to be found. Knowledge is power.”
If bitten by a snake one should seek medical help right away.
Of course, snakes play important part in the ecosystem so if you spot one outdoors make sure you get out of its way. In case you find one in your home, call a pet service.
