With summer just around the corner, it’s important to be mindful of the other creatures who venture out into the open to enjoy the warm weather. Snakes are one of these creatures that students may want to be mindful of especially.

Knowing the different kind of snakes that inhabit your area and being able to spot a poisonous reptile from a harmless one can be detrimental to a student’s health this summer. With so many students spending this season outdoors participating in activities like camp counseling, fishing, or camping, it can be helpful to listen to tips and suggestions when it comes to snake safety.

Biology professor and snake expert Dr. Mike Plummer, reminds students of options and precautions to consider when working outdoors this summer.

“When in the woods or fields, watch where you sit down and where you put your feet and hands; wear shoes that cover your feet,” said Dr. Plummer.

Types of venomous snakes in the U.S. include copperheads, cottonmouths, coral, and rattlesnakes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it has been estimated that 7,000–8,000 people per year receive venomous bites in the United States, and about 5 of those people die.

Many students plan on working as camp counselors this summer. Sophomore Garrett Soffray will be working at Camp Wyldewood this summer and explains the extra steps he and other counselors, as well as campers, will be taking to ensure safety outdoors.

“At camp we have rules that campers can’t wear open toed shoes because they are always outside. Copperheads tend to be our biggest problem at Wyldewood,” Soffray said. “Water moccasins live around bodies of water and since camp just got a new lake, we have to be mindful of those.”

Along with camping, students plan on spending their time hiking this summer. Senior Mont Fisher looks forward to hiking the Appalachian Trail this summer and explains his snake concerns and expectations.

“I think it’s important to always be on the lookout for snakes when you are outdoors. You can never be too careful,” Fisher said. “When hiking I like to check thoroughly before I sit to rest as well as when I set up camp. For me, it’s also important to know how to handle a snake bite situation, I encourage anyone planning on spending a lot of time outdoors to do their snake research.”