Snake Removal MN | Wild Animal Management
Snakes in Minnesota are non-life-threatening. Of the 17 snake species in the state, only two are venomous — the timber rattlesnake and the massasauga. Both are found only in the southeastern counties and are rarely encountered. The Timber Rattle snake is found in the bluff areas of S. E. Minnesota. There have been only two unconfirmed sightings of the Massasauga in Minnesota.
Massasauga Rattlesnake
If you live within the range of the timber rattler or massasauga, you should be careful when approaching. It is, however, very uncommon for rattlesnakes to be found around human dwellings. Snakes hibernate in groups, usually in holes in the ground or in the foundations of buildings.
Timber Rattlesnake
The common garter snake is one of the most well known snakes in Minnesota, is harmless. They live in many different rural and suburban areas and are found on hilltops, along rivers, and in backyards.
To keep from freezing during the winter, they hibernate below the frost line. They usually find a rock crevice, an ant mound or a tunnel made by a burrowing animal. These winter dens are used by garter snakes year after year.
Common Garter Snake
Garter snakes are important because they eat destructive mice and rodents and should not be killed. Their predators include crows, ravens, weasels, mink, raccoons, foxes, ground squirrels, skunks, hawks, owls.
Although they are not venomous, garter snakes may bite when handled, and they may defecate on the person holding them, releasing a foul smelling odor.
Where Do They Come From?
Often, they’ve been hiding (or overwintering) in spaces behind or under concrete steps or patios. They gain entry through cracks or holes in the house foundation. These spaces provide warm (above freezing) places near or in the foundation wall for a snake to spend the winter. When spring returns, the snakes reappear outside. Unwanted snakes, especially common garter snakes, may appear in the spring basking on your patio or front steps.
May is the peak time for spring movements and September for fall movements, making them the peak months for most snake-human encounters. However, the peak encounter time for Timber Rattlesnakes in Minnesota is July through August.
Snake Removal MN
One thing to remember is that snakes are not usually aggressive! They will generally not attack you unless they feel threatened. Throughout time, snakes have caused fear in many people, while evoking awe in others. Either way, snakes are often misunderstood and under-appreciated. In fact, many people kill snakes simply because they fear and dislike them, and don’t understand what snakes contribute to our world. This human persecution has led to the decline of many snake species, including those found in Minnesota. However, as we learn more about snakes and their benefits, our willingness to coexist with them increases.
None the less, if snakes have found a way into your home, and want a professional to come take care of the problem, contact a Minnesota Snake Removal Expert. They can help find the snake problem and remove them from your home and seal areas of your home that would allow them access to nesting or resting areas.
