First some facts about snakes in general. Snakes are cold blooded reptiles. This does not mean they are cold all the time, but that their body temp. is the same as their surroundings. They cannot be active in very cold weather and during the coldest part of the year many will go into hibernation and become torpid. During the cooler periods of the day they will seek out warmth such as sunny areas. Likewise during periods of excessive heat they will seek cool areas in the shade. All snakes are carnivorous. Many prey on small mammals and are the best control we have on the rat and mouse populations. They can follow the rodents down to their nest and wipeout a whole generation at one meal. Most snakes are not aggressive toward man. While there are some that will stand their ground, most will run if given a chance. Venomous snake bites are not often fatal. If you think you have been bitten seek medical treatment at once, but don't cut at the wound or you may cause muscle damage. More people die in this country from lightening strikes than snake bites every year. How many people do you know that were hit by lightening last year?

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