Copperhead snakes have a diamond pattern on their body and cat eyes. Photo taken by Andrew Moropoulos.
A Bryant man thought he was cleaning leaves but ended up touching a dangerous animal instead.
Paul Moropoulos was cleaning off the front porch of his family’s home near Mills Park, getting it ready to lay new mulch when he noticed some leaves sticking out of the gutter’s drain. He reached down but when he touched the leaves, they moved. He quickly realized it was a snake and jumped back, then went into the house to tell his family what he had seen.
His son Andrew and wife Dori came outside to help figure out what to do. Andrew took a picture to identify the snake online and found that it was a Copperhead, a venomous snake with a heavy body. It’s a pit viper type of snake that is native to eastern parts of North America. They typically grow from 24 to 40 inches, according to Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Georgia. The snake at this family’s home was about 3 feet long.
Dori said, “We were all standing on the porch staring at the snake in shock. It was a few feet from the front door. I immediately thought to call animal control thinking they would know what to do. It was 2:10 p.m. Thank goodness animal control was easy to contact. They answered immediately and when I told them about the situation they were more than eager to help. They reassured me that the officers were on their way. It helped ease my state of panic.”
Two officers from Bryant Animal Control arrived at their home about 10 minutes later. Dori said Officer Jackie Skasick had a pole with a hook at the end and a long tool that opened and closed like a pincher. The other officer had a bucket to put the snake inside for transport.
“Officer Skasick was the more experienced officer. She had no fear as she used both tools to manipulate the snake to get it into position to grab it. The snake slithered around trying to escape but she kept focus, cutting it off at every turn. It was like watching Animal Planet. Within minutes the snake was captured and they promised to relocate it somewhere safe.”
Paul had been wearing a thick leather glove while cleaning, and that may have saved him from being bitten. To avoid coming in contact with a dangerous snake, the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension suggests you walk on a clear path with ample lighting, where you can see where your steps will land. If you’re moving debris, do so with a tool. Snakes tend to avoid human contact, so make noise as you walk. Don’t wear open-toed shoes while hiking or near brush. If it’s hot out, snakes may be in the shade. If it’s cool out, snakes may be sunning themselves. See more tips at this link.
MYSALINEJUNE2022