Article about surge in snake bites

[jerp]

There have been a lot of "watch your step!" threads this year and comments about how many more snakes we are seeing. This hospital in Ft Worth says the most snakes bites they have treated in one year is 28. They have already treated 20 since March.

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article161054604.html

[DesertDug]

Yikes!!!!

[OleTomTalker]

I've noticed that this year too. Seen more copperheads this year than in the last 15 years I've lived in Victoria area. Little boy from church was bitten on big toe a couple weeks ago walking through his grandparents yard. Fully recovered now but was very scary for day or two. Apparently, didn't inject much venom.

[Rat]

I wonder why...?
Urban encroachment?
Neophites in the outdoors?
People not killing them like they used to?

I would venture a guess that it has more to do with people are just generally more stupid (or ignorant) then we used to be; walking around in condition white, totally unaware of our surroundings, face in phone, etc.

[fox1]

Didn't someone post a link awhile back about copperheads being attracted by cicadas at dusk, the snakes where hunting them as they emerged from the ground and peoples lawns was the prime place for the cicadas to hatch.

[Floor Man]

I got bit by a copperhead earlier in the year- I went to war with them since.


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[CabezaBlanca]

Didn't someone post a link awhile back about copperheads being attracted by cicadas at dusk, the snakes where hunting them as they emerged from the ground and peoples lawns was the prime place for the cicadas to hatch.

Yes I did.

http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=600722

[jerp]

I think much of it has to do with the weather the last couple of years. There have been quite a few mentions around here about the abundance of rats and mice - it makes sense that the critters up the food chain are thriving as well. I also think it is easy for folks to let their guard down when living in even a semi-rural area. I know three people who have been chomped by copperheads - all of them while strolling across a well-manicured lawn at night.

[myway]

I bet he is a fast swimmer!

[CabezaBlanca]

I think much of it has to do with the weather the last couple of years. There have been quite a few mentions around here about the abundance of rats and mice - it makes sense that the critters up the food chain are thriving as well. I also think it is easy for folks to let their guard down when living in even a semi-rural area. I know three people who have been chomped by copperheads - all of them while strolling across a well-manicured lawn at night.

I think that is a big factor. We had our share from April to early June and saw lots of snakes around the house. I believe that between my trapping, our cat and the snakes the mouse/rat population is now under control. I haven't seen a mouse or snake in about 3-4 weeks now. Our cat got popped by a CH about 5 weeks ago.

[Playa]

I think much of it has to do with the weather the last couple of years. There have been quite a few mentions around here about the abundance of rats and mice - it makes sense that the critters up the food chain are thriving as well. I also think it is easy for folks to let their guard down when living in even a semi-rural area. I know three people who have been chomped by copperheads - all of them while strolling across a well-manicured lawn at night.

Habitat has more to do with it than human behaviors. We have been "encroaching" since we landed here in the 1700's and none of the other behaviors listed above are new.

But like all wild creatures they are cyclical. We have had several years of drought which negatively impacted flora and fauna. Rains return, vegetation returns, low level food chain species increase, their predators numbers will follow

[bloodstick]

Knock on wood!!! i have not seen a single copperhead or any other snake in my yard so far this year. Last year, i killed 7 copperheads and 3 of my dogs were bit before the end of July. I dont know why the decline in my area, but i'm happy with it

[stinkbelly]

Good reason to get your dog snake avoidance training.

[bloodstick]

Good reason to get your dog snake avoidance training.

I thought about doing that, but one of them is a 13 year old lab. We dont know how much longer he has. The other two are already well aware that snakes are bad mojo. They actually got bit because they put themselves between us and the snake on purpose.

[Rat]

But like all wild creatures they are cyclical. We have had several years of drought which negatively impacted flora and fauna. Rains return, vegetation returns, low level food chain species increase, their predators numbers will follow

This is probably more correct than my thoughts, sounds reasonable anyway.