Question about copperheads !

[50GI-Jess]

Hi all,
New here, and don't much about copperheads. I live in Arkansas in a very isolated place, and about 13 miles from town.

Within the last 3 years, the copperhead population has exploded in my yard. 2 snake experts has visited my area, and has never seen anything like it. And one guy has done it for 45 yrs. and has his own snake zoo too.

They say I have a major den close to the house, and have now nick named my yard "the Copperhead HWY". I catch over 30 a week, and this is just what I see close to my porch.

I can't make my self shoot them. However I also realize the fact, that it's only a matter of time before I'll get bitten etc.

What should I do ? Can I pay someone to locate the snake den? Is it possible to get completely rid of it? How much does it cost in medical care if bitten?
If nothing changes, will the population double or triple next year. Can I catch them, and sell them to professionals, like for medical cancer research etc.

What to do! Thanks for any help and suggestions.

Jess

[dbassa]

What is the habitat/environment like where you live? I can't help but think that the snakes are there for a reason. I don't think there would be such a large population unless there was a readily available food supply.

Another possibility might be that there is a lack of animals that would naturally prey on the snakes.

If you can figure out some ideas for why they are choosing your area you might be able to come up with a strategy for dealing with them.

Do you have any photos? Are you finding mostly juveniles mostly adults or combinations of both?

Just some ideas.

[MDT]

How much does it cost in medical care if bitten?

What to do! Thanks for any help and suggestions.

Jess

Jess,
Not sure about the rest of your questions, but this one I can give some info to. Depending on the severity of the bite, the cost will vary greatly. If you are observed in the ED for some time and there are no signs of worsening envenomation (say going from a "grade I to a grade III"....this all depends on how your Snakebite Severity Score is calculated), you may just go home with a fairly large ED bill. However, if your bite shows signs of significant envenomation and you need CroFab (the anti venom used in North American pit viper bites), you can have a very very juicy bill. Think "buying a new BMW" type bill.

Be careful :)

[BryanB]

i was told lemon scented pinesal poured around the yard will make them go away something with the smell

[RandyRhoads]

The cheaper option is to buy me a plane ticket to come collect them all.

I know it sucks and I hate to see them die, but if you have family then safety first. Shoot them, watch out heads still bite, and get rid of them. Maybe you could contact someone you know that hunts to come do it for you in exchange for keeping the skins.

[50GI-Jess]

Well, most areas here in AR, is a rocky hillside with a lot of foliage. The whole property is heavily wooded and my elevation is 1.450 ft.
The ones I pick up is close to house, so I can only imagine how many others, I can't see at all.
If I spend 2-3 hours just after sunset, I usually collect 8 to 10. I'm fortunate, that I have 2 snake enthusiast coming here 2-3 times a week. They release them at known snake dens in our area the day after. The guy with the snake zoo kept one that had a unique pattern being 2'8" long.
The "food" supply seems to be the same type all over the area. My snake friends, think I have a major snake den close to my house.

When I find this den later on, what should I do ? I hate the idea about killing them. On the other hand, next year the number will multiply. I assume a den of snakes will stay and not migrate ?

Been here for 4 yrs. and never see any other type of snakes, if this indicates anything specific ? Other folks only 5 to 10 miles from here, finds timber rattlers from time to time.

Well, thanks for any input here.

Jess

[50GI-Jess]

Got 11 last night. Just started picking up tonight.
Jess

[50GI-Jess]

25037Got 13 more in an hour or so tonight.

[Mikoh4792]

25037Got 13 more in an hour or so tonight.

Can you eat them? I would cook them in a stew or ferment them in some liquor.

[50GI-Jess]

Not for me unless I have to. They're relocated to another and better place for them.

[BoaBoy91]

King snakes like to eat copperheads. right?