SNAKE ON THE PORCH PROMPTS 911 CALL

Seeing a snake on the porch will get your attention fast. That happened around 3 p.m. when a Dace Road caller in Lucasville contacted 911 to report a snake on the porch. Dispatch reached out to Valley Fire Department, but no one was available to respond. Around Southern Ohio, that kind of call is more common than people think. The good news? Most snakes you’ll see in the hills are harmless—and usually want nothing to do with you. 🐍 SNAKES YOU’RE MOST LIKELY TO SEE (AND USUALLY DON’T NEED TO PANIC ABOUT) Common non-venomous snakes in Southern Ohio include: Black rat snakes – long, dark snakes often found around barns, wood piles, and porches Garter snakes – smaller striped snakes common in yards and gardens Northern water snakes – often mistaken for dangerous snakes near ponds or creeks Milk snakes / king snakes – helpful rodent hunters These snakes are generally beneficial because they eat mice, rats, insects, and even other snakes. ⚠️ THE ONES TO RESPECT IN SOUTHERN OHIO Southern Ohio has a few venomous species people should know: Timber Rattlesnake – found mostly in wooded or rocky remote areas, especially in hill country Northern Copperhead – more common than rattlesnakes and well-camouflaged in leaves or brush These snakes usually avoid people, but bites can happen if stepped on, cornered, or handled. 👀 BEST THING TO DO IF ONE IS ON YOUR PORCH Honestly? Usually just wait. Most snakes move along on their own if left alone. Smart moves: Keep kids and pets inside Give it space Watch from a safe distance Remove food sources like rodents if snakes keep showing up Call local wildlife help if it won’t leave or is inside the home ❌ WHY KILLING IT CAN BE A BAD IDEA Trying to kill a snake—especially with a shovel, hoe, or firearm—is when many bites happen. Even venomous snakes can strike quickly when threatened. Other problems: You may misidentify a harmless snake Injured snakes can still bite Some native wildlife protections may apply in certain areas You put yourself closer than necessary 🏡 HOW TO MAKE YOUR PLACE LESS SNAKE-FRIENDLY Keep grass cut short Remove junk piles, lumber, and brush Seal gaps under porches and sheds Control mice and rats Keep pet food indoors Snakes have always been part of life in Southern Ohio. Most are harmless neighbors doing pest control for free. So if one shows up on the porch, the best plan often isn’t panic. It’s patience.

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