As an amateur herpetologist, I'm compelled to jump in here. Rattlesnakes were
intentionally wiped out in Fairfax County, Virginia, years ago. The copperhead
(Agkistrodon contortrix) is the only venomous snake in Northern Virginia, and
their population has also declined, partially through loss of habitat, and
partially because people do kill them. Copperhead venom is relatively weak and
is seldom, if ever, fatal to a human being. Typical of all snakes, copperheads
would rather flee and avoid people, although they will strike if they feel
cornered or trapped.
Unfortunately, many people kill every snake they see. Too many seem to believe
that all snakes are venomous, and all grow large enough to eat human beings.
The truth is that most snakes are small, harmless, and are an asset because
they primarily eat rodents. (Some of our native snakes are so small that their
diet consists of earthworms, tiny slugs, and insects.)
Yes, some snakes do eat nestlings, but as has been mentioned here, there are
ways of keeping them out of nestboxes.
Barbara Farron
Springfield, VA
