How to Find Snakes in Hocking Hills
The Hocking Hills area of south-central Ohio contains a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of snakes. Many reptile enthusiasts and nature lovers enjoy seeking out snakes (a practice known as herping), and few places offer a better opportunity to do so than Hocking Hills. Here you'll find snake species ranging from the small (the northern red-bellied snake, Ohio's smallest) to the large (black rat snake) and several species in between.
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Instructions
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Finding Terrestrial Snakes
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Learn about the snakes in the Hocking Hills area, especially the three venomous species: the northern copperhead, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and the timber rattlesnake.
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Dress appropriately for potential snake encounters. You should wear sturdy boots that cover the ankle, long pants made of a thick fabric and gloves.
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Search for snakes during late spring and early summer because this is when they are most active in Ohio. During the cooler spring months, look for snakes during the day. In the heat of summer, look for snakes in the early morning or in the evening before the sun sets.
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Search for snakes in areas where prey is most likely to be: rocky outcroppings, leaf piles, wood piles and under logs. Always tread carefully in these areas to avoid stepping on a snake. In the early evening, search on the southwestern side of hills and slopes.
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Turn on a flashlight to peer into openings in rocks or the entrances of caves. During the summer, snakes often spend their days hiding in cooler areas.
Finding Aquatic Snakes
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Read a field guide to Ohio snakes to become familiar with the different types of water snakes in the area. The most commonly encountered water snake in Hocking Hills is the northern water snake.
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Observe logs, stumps and rocks closely in or near permanent bodies of water. Water snakes spend a great deal of time basking, especially during the day.
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Pay attention to branches overhanging the water. These are favorite basking areas of water snakes.
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Scan the surface of permanent bodies of water. Water snakes swim near the surface of water, with their heads slightly elevated.
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Tips & Warnings
Though there are no venomous water moccasins in Ohio, care should be taken around all water snakes nonetheless because they are very defensive.
Never harass or attempt to pick up a snake.
Exercise extreme caution around any snake you cannot identify.
Never step directly over a log or onto a pile of leaves. If you encounter a fallen log blocking your path, step on it and then over, watching for snakes on the other side.
Never place your hand anywhere you cannot see.
