What to Do If You Find a Snake in Your Yard

Finding a snake in the yard startles almost everyone, but it is a normal part of having a living landscape. The large majority of snakes you will meet in a U.S. or Canadian yard are non-venomous, and they quietly control rodents, slugs, and insects. Here is what to do, and what not to do.

First, stop and give it space

Step back and keep a comfortable distance, several body lengths is plenty. Most snakes want nothing to do with you and will move off on their own if you let them. The vast majority of snakebites happen when someone tries to catch, kill, or handle the snake, so the single most protective thing you can do is simply leave it alone.

Keep children and pets indoors for a bit

Bring kids and pets inside until the snake has moved along. Dogs in particular tend to harass snakes, which is how many pet bites happen. Give the animal a clear, uncrowded path toward cover and it will usually take it.

Identify from a distance, not up close

You can often tell whether a snake is one of the few venomous species in your area from a safe distance or from a zoomed-in phone photo. Use our identification tool or look up which snakes actually live in your county through the state and county browser. Never move closer just to get a better look.

If it needs to move, call a professional

If a snake settles somewhere genuinely inconvenient, like a garage or a doorway, the safest option is to contact local animal control or a licensed wildlife removal service. Do not try to relocate a snake yourself, especially if you are unsure what it is.

Make the yard less inviting

Snakes show up where there is food and shelter. To gently encourage them to move on:

• Keep grass trimmed and clear brush piles, leaf litter, and woodpiles away from the house.
• Seal gaps under sheds, decks, and foundations where snakes shelter.
• Control rodents, which are the main meal that draws snakes in.
• Store firewood and debris off the ground and away from high-traffic areas.

Skip the snake-repellent powders and ultrasonic gadgets sold online; independent testing has repeatedly found them ineffective. Habitat changes are what actually work.

The bottom line

A snake passing through your yard is usually good news for your garden and nothing to fear. Watch it, respect it, and let it go on its way. If you would like to learn the local species, the species library is a good place to start.