AGFC warns of increased snake encounters amid flooding

ARKANSAS, USA — As temperatures rise this spring, officials with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) are reminding residents to be snake-aware while outdoors.

“We have multiple species of snakes in Arkansas, four of which are venomous rattlesnakes. And there’s a couple of different species, but we’re gonna go broad categories here, rattlesnake, copperhead, cottonmouth, and the coral snake,” said Trey Reid, AGFC’s assistant chief of communications.

Recent flooding across the state may increase snake encounters as the reptiles are forced to relocate.

“Another thing on the back end of all of this flooding that we’ve seen lately, that can cause people to see more snakes. If the water comes up at a creek bottom where those snakes have been hanging out, well, they’re not aquatic. They may spend time around water, but they don’t have gills,” Reid explained. “That combined with warm temperatures, could probably put people in contact, or at least bring snakes into higher visibility for folks.”

With spring yard work underway, officials recommend simple precautions.

“If you’re picking up some limbs, leaves around the yard, moving things around, picking up a boat that’s been turned upside down — I’ve done that myself and found a snake under it before. Just be cautious when you do that,” Reid advised. “You know, wrap the boat a couple of times, hit it with a stick, make some noise. If you’re moving limbs or leaves, be aware of what you’re picking up. Don’t just blindly do it.”

For those concerned about snake identification, Reid offers straightforward advice.

“I think the key take home message for anybody that encounters a snake, especially if you’re not good at snake identification, and based on the number of calls and Facebook photos that are shared with us at Game and Fish, I’d say, generally speaking, most people are not great at snake identification, so just leave them alone,” he said.

It’s worth noting that snakebites are uncommon in Arkansas.

“I have to reiterate the point that snakebites are very uncommon. I’ve spent a lifetime in the outdoors and never even come close to getting bit — knock on wood,” Reid said.

However, if someone is bitten, Reid stressed the importance of proper medical treatment.

“The best piece of safety equipment you have if you are in the unlikely scenario where you’re bitten by a snake is your car key,” he said. “Get to an emergency room. Don’t cut the wound. Don’t suck the venom out. Those are all old western movie wives’ tales. That’s not how you treat a snake bite, certainly not how you treat a snake bite in 2025 with the wonders of modern medicine and technology at our disposal.”

AGFC offers snake identification resources on their website and provides pocket snake ID guides at their regional offices.