New York State DEC Reminds Residents That The Snakes Are Coming
As temperatures begin to warm in the weeks ahead, wildlife will begin to emerge from their winter hibernation to reclaim their territories. Since they can not regulate their own body heat, cold-blooded species must bury themselves in dens, under rocks, or below ponds or lakes for months during the cold months to survive,
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These animals may even appear dead, but they're not. YPTE describes it as diapause - where species like snakes "use up just a small amount of their store of body fat and can survive for some weeks, barely alive."
Snakes Are Coming
According to SUNY, there are seventeen different species of snakes found in New York. And while some may find them terrifying, ecologists will tell you these slithery serpents play a critical role in the environment.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says that snakes often rely on natural cavities and the burrows of other animals to survive the winter.
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During colder months, typically between October and March, the NY DEC says a "hundred or more individuals of different species can gather in the same den", as they "slow down their metabolism and tightly coil their bodies together to stay warm enough to survive."
Once the Earth starts to warm up, snakes emerge, says the DEC.
Most Common Snakes in New York
SUNY says that the most common and abundant species of snakes in New York state are the garter snake and the water snake. Garter snakes are often found in woodlands, marshes, and fields, and also exist "quite well around human habitations."
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They are non-venomous, but can but can be aggressive and will readily strike if they feel threatened. Some humans can have an allergic reaction to their bite,
According to the Gavin McClinsey YouTube Channel, garter snakes can have quite a tolerance for low temperatures though.
Water snakes are found in or near waterbodies or wetlands, and can grow up to 42 inches long. They are often mistaken for water moccasins. Water snakes are known to be very aggressive, and have a "nasty disposition", says SUNY.
However, the National Wildlife Federation says they are not venomous.
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The Most Annoying New York State Nuisance Wildlife Species
Gallery Credit: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation