Copperheads have a second mating season in fall. Can you kill them in SC?
Copperheads are the most common venomous snake in South Carolina.
We are inching closer to fall in the South, and for those looking forward to being outside, you should be on the lookout for snakes.
The second round of mating season for copperheads, which typically occurs from late August into October and isn't as active as spring mating season, is underway in South Carolina and other areas, according to the S.C. Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation. This means copperheads can be fairly active at this time of year and people should be on the lookout for them.
If you do come face-to-face with cooperhead or another snake in your yard, take pause before killing it.
South Carolina has several laws on the books to help protect certain species of snakes, plus some are actually good to have in your yard to keep pests under control and even some of the more venomous snakes away.
Here's what South Carolinians should know about the Palmetto State laws on killing snakes.
Can I kill a snake in South Carolina?
According to S.C. state law, it is illegal to kill any snake on public land. Doing so is a misdemeanor and can carry a fine of $200 or 30 days in jail (Title 51-Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Chapter 3, State Parks, Sec. 51-3-145 (B)).
What should I do if a snake is on my property?
If you are worried about the safety of your kids and pets, you have the right to kill a snake on your land. However, this is not recommended since most snake bites occur when people are trying to kill a snake.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources suggests that people should do their best to leave snakes alone if they are found in a yard. Much of the time, snakes will run from people or give a warning to stay away, but people should be very cautious no matter the situation.
While you can't keep snakes out of your yard entirely, you can mitigate areas where they might make themselves at home. If you have wood piles, remote outbuildings, fallen logs, mulch piles or other natural ground cover items, S.C. DNR suggests removing or relocating these items.
What venomous snake species are in South Carolina?
There are six venomous snake species in the state, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
- Copperhead
- Cottonmouth
- Eastern coral snake
- Eastern diamondback snake
- Timber rattlesnake
- Pygmy rattlesnake
Are snakes good for South Carolina's environment?
Despite some residents' fear of snakes -venomous or not - snakes have an important role to play in the Palmetto State's ecosystem.
Snakes are both predators and prey and serve as a food source for birds, mammals, and other reptiles, according to the U.S. Army. They also eat birds, mammals, amphibians, fish, and insects - as well as small pests like rodents and slugs.
The snake's part in the circle of life helps to prevent the overpopulation of landscapes due to most pest species, which cause damage to homes, gardens, and farms. These pest species can also spread diseases.
"Looking even further beyond those pluses, snakes have medicinal, educational, and aesthetic values in various capacities," said the U.S. Army.
Reporting by Joyce Orlando and Nina Tran, USA TODAY NETWORK / Greenville News
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