Snake Removal And Control
Scientists say that although humans are not born fearing snakes, that fear still ranks as one of the most common phobias on Earth. The intense fear of snakes is known as ophidiophobia, and most people find snakes make them nervous, at least to some degree. Researchers believe that's because humans have evolved to sense snakes and understand them as dangerous, even if we didn't start out that way. Maybe it's the dead eyes and the skittish way the animal moves. Scientists think evolutionarily, that's been a good thing since it's kept us from their life-threatening bites.
Snakes are fascinating creatures. Rather than legs, they use 200-400 vertebrae, which allow them to flex forward and sideways, with the muscles attached to their rib cage propelling them forward. They're strong swimmers, too. The creatures have other unique features like a forked tongue that extends out to "taste" the air, picking up on odors that go to Jacobson's Organ in the roof of its mouth that allows it to process the smell. When it comes time to feast, the snake uses jaws that can open to a size three times that of the snake's head, allowing the beast to swallow its prey whole as its sharp, curved teeth hold its victim in place.
Missouri is home to 49 species and subspecies of snake, five distinct varieties that have venom powerful enough to bring down a fully grown human and are used to kill their prey. The Osage Copperhead is the most common and can be recognized by its hourglass-shaped pattern of darker splotches on a brownish body with a pinkish or orange head. The Timber Rattlesnake is the state's largest venomous snake. Within the Show-Me State, you can also find Western Cottonmouths, Eastern Massasauga, and Western Pygmy Rattlesnakes. Those venomous snakes are recognizable by the vertical slits that form their pupils; nonvenomous snakes have rounded pupils.
Others in Missouri, like the rat, king, milk, and bull snakes, kill by biting an animal to hold it in place and then wrapping around it several times and flexing its muscles. The point behind that maneuver isn't suffocation; the constriction keeps blood from flowing, causing heart failure. While most snakes aren't large enough to take down a human with constriction, it can still make for a dangerous encounter if one begins constricting. Those snakes have sharp fangs that can be extremely damaging.
When you're up against a foe as fearsome as a snake, it's crucial to keep your distance. Rather than risking your safety, contact a wildlife control professional who understands the slithery beast. If you are considering a DIY solution, tackling the problem on your own can put you at risk of a bite (or worse) and the snake at risk. At SEMO Wildlife, the technicians at our locally owned and operated company bring years of experience and know how to handle the problem carefully and thoroughly.
Contact us today for more information on our services and find out why we're the most trusted nuisance wildlife control company in Jackson and the surrounding area.