Whether killing a snake is an offense depends on the species and the circumstances. Snakes often hide under logs and in crevices. Patterns, geographic locations, and even behavioral characteristics can assist with proper identification. And that "moccasin" that supposedly fell into someone's boat? Contrary to a very popular myth, cottonmouths will not chase you. Copyright 2020 hechtgroup.com. Snakes play an important role in controlling rodent populations, and killing them can lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem. The Virginia Herpetological Society: Snakes of Virginia, The Humane Society: What to Do About Snakes, The National Wildlife Federation: Eliminating Snakes in your Yard, 1800 South Delphine Ave It generally has brown or reddish bands divided by light-colored ones. If you see a rattle, youve got a rattler. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. It grows up to 6 feet long and is the only snake in Virginia that reaches the 6-foot mark. Threatened and endangered species, freshwater mussels, candy darter, eastern hellbender, diamondback terrapin, and spotted turtle. In addition to protected species of snakes, it is also illegal to kill certain species of birds, mammals, and reptiles without a permit in Virginia. Snakes | Virginia DWR Not all individuals are black. They have shiny black scales on their back and a light colored belly, and their throat and chin are white. They are the ones you are more likely to meet in the park or yard. Most snakebites occur when a person picks up a snake, steps on one accidentally or tries to kill one -- which can be illegal depending on the snake species. It shall be unlawful to take mussels from any inland waters in Virginia. Snakes kill about two people a decade, health officials say. Some snakes may try to overwinter in a basement or cellar area; they depend on their external environments to regulate body temperatures. Unlawful to take the spiny riversnail (Io fluvialis) in the Tennessee drainage in Virginia (Clinch, Powell and the North, South and Middle Forks of the Holston rivers and tributaries). These may be used to take common carp, grass carp, northern snakehead, and gar (fishing license required) during day and night hours (24 hrs. Unlawful to take salamanders in Grayson Highlands State Park and on National Forest lands in the Jefferson National Forest in those portions of Grayson, Smyth and Washington counties bounded on the east by Rt.