A Missouri homeowner was just checking their pool skimmer when a small snake inside of it surprised them.
Here's what to know
The sighting surfaced in a post on r/whatsthissnake on Reddit, where the homeowner said, "Spicy little buddy! Maybe 8" long, slithered sideways after I moved them to a safe place. Strong swimmer too!"
One person identified, "Prairie kingsnake, Lampropeltis calligaster !harmless."
According to Snake Evolution and Biogeography, Its range reaches across plains states west of the Mississippi and also into Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, western Tennessee, and northern Mississippi.
More background
As Snake Evolution and Biogeography noted, growing human population sizes are affecting how and where wildlife live. This is why it's very important for people working on housing developments to consider where they are building before doing so. Continued construction could create more human-wildlife interactions like this one.
While this interaction, like many others, didn't end badly, it's still important to act with caution and care when facing wildlife.
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What can be done?
Do not panic, and do not try to handle an unfamiliar snake unless it can be done safely. Even non-venomous species may bite in self-defense, especially if they feel cornered.
One person said, "You might want to consider getting a product that will allow small animals to exit your pool safely so they don't drown."
Where can I learn more?
Snake encounters at home can happen differently in many places. Knowing the wildlife that typically exists in your area may make it easier for you to handle a similar situation.
• In Arkansas, snakes taking over a vacant home had a surprisingly harmless explanation.
• Across the Mid-South, small openings are letting more snakes slip into homes.
• In one homeowner's yard, a massive snake disappeared straight into the house.
• In Australia, a poisonous snake discovery ended with actions that horrified rescuers.
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