Pit Vipers - include rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins (cottonmouths).
Coral Snake - which are smaller in size and are iden- tified by their red, yellow, and black banding.
Rat Snake - Agile climbers, rat snakes are likely the most common snake you’ll find among the branches.
coral snake, remember the saying, “red on yellow, kill a fellow.” If yellow touches red on the snake’s scales, it is likely the venomous coral snake. If yellow touches black, it is likely either a milk snake or king snake. Not all snakes are venomous, but that doesn’t mean bites can’t, or won’t, occur. A couple of the more common nonven- omous species include: • Rat snakes: Agile climbers, rat snakes are likely the most common slithering friend you’ll find among the branches. These snakes tend to have black scales along their back and grayish/white scales along their bellies and a flatter figure that allows them to scale the trees more easily. As constrictors, these snakes are less likely to strike than they are to freeze if met with dan- ger. Their first line of defense is to emit a foul-smelling odor. As a last resort, they may try to bite. • Eastern garter snake: These snakes may resemble climbing rope most closely with their long, bright stripes against dark scales. Their small, oval heads are the big- gest indication that their bites are not venomous. They also remain fairly small compared to other spe- cies, spanning only three to four feet as full adults.
Thierbach also warned about regions where boa constrictors may live, such as Florida and Alabama. Although they aren’t venomous, they are known for their powerful constriction — wrapping their bodies around prey and squeez- ing, restricting blood flow, oen caus- ing swi and serious bodily injury and even death. Symptoms of a Snakebite Venomous or not, snakebite symptoms appear almost immediately and may include: • Nonvenomous : Puncture wound or marks, minor pain with swelling around the injury site. • Venomous : Intense pain or burn- ing, rapid swelling and bruising,
weakness, dizziness, lightheaded- ness, a metallic taste in the mouth, and labored breathing. But the damage doesn’t end there. Long aer a snakebite, particularly a venomous one, complications and long- term effects can linger. Tissue death, hemorrhage, and systemic shock are among the acute issues, while chronic pain, reduced mobility, and nerve dam- age can stick around for the long-term. PPE Recommendations According to Thierbach, there really isn’t much tree workers can do or wear to prevent an alligator attack. The most important precaution is awareness and, if a gator is spotted, maintain a safe dis- tance at all times. “Check the area for gators, and keep your eyes peeled while you work,” she advised. Snakebites, however, are a bit easier to avoid with proper PPE. Thierbach sug- gests the following: • Wearing high boots, especially in warm environments with tall grasses or rocky terrain; • Using thick work pants or chain- saw chaps for leg protection; and • Wearing heavy-duty gloves for handling debris, logs, and brush.
Eastern Garter Snake - These snakes may resemble climbing rope most closely with their long, bright stripes against dark scales
30 | Spring 2026 ArborTIMES ™
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online