Encountering venomous wildlife can be daunting and potentially life-threatening. Many of our Wildlife X Team service locations are in states known for venomous snakes, spiders, and scorpions. It’s important to understand the hazards these dangerous creatures pose, and the safety measures needed to deal with them. Here are some tips on understanding venomous wildlife critters and how you can stay safe if you ever find yourself in an interaction with one.
Be aware of venomous wildlife species in your area.
It is important to educate yourself about the venomous wildlife species prevalent in your area. Look up local venomous wildlife in your city and state and understand their habitats, behaviors, and distinguishing features. It is also good to compare your yard or property to what a venomous wildlife creature’s typical habitat is, so you know when and where to expect them.
Be able to identify venomous wildlife species.
Learning how to identify venomous species by their physical characteristics, such as coloration, body shape, markings, and specific behaviors can help you differentiate venomous from non-venomous wildlife. This is important because it can help determine how serious a situation is and possibly how to react. Remember, it’s crucial not to approach or handle any wildlife if you’re unsure of its venomous nature.
Avoid and respect venomous wildlife species.
Preventing encounters with venomous wildlife is the best way to keep yourself safe. Be cautious and watch where you are stepping when venturing into their natural habitats, such as tall grass, rocky areas, or wooded regions. If you do encounter a venomous creature don’t provoke it or approach, respectfully move away or around from it.
Implement home and yard safety measures.
It can be extremely frightening to find a venomous animal in your yard or in your home. Make sure you home and yard stay protected by sealing cracks, gaps, and holes in your home’s foundation and around doors and windows. Keep your yard tidy and well-kept by removing clutter, trimming grass, and shrubs. This helps ensure no sneaky creatures have easy hiding places.
Wear proper footwear and clothing while outdoors.
When gardening or landscaping on your property in areas where venomous wildlife may be present it is important to wear the correct clothing to protect yourself. This should include things like closed-toe shoes or boots and long pants. Additional layers offer a layer of protection against bites or stings.
Respond appropriately during an encounter.
If you encounter venomous wildlife, it is important to remain calm and avoid sudden movements. You don’t want to scare or provoke the creature. Back away slowly, giving the animal space to retreat. Most aggressive responses are after a person attempts to handle, provoke, or capture venomous wildlife.
Know when to seek help.
If you find venomous wildlife in your yard or home, call in professionals. As stated in this blog post many times, you never want to handle or approach possible venomous wildlife. Our professionals at Wildlife X Team are trained with handling and removing venomous wildlife. Our experts will quickly, safely, and humanely remove wildlife. Call us for an inspection today!
If you or someone else is bitten or stung by a venomous creature, seek immediate medical attention. Call emergency services or the local poison I control center for guidance. Do not attempt to treat the bite or sting yourself, only medical professionals can administer appropriate treatment.