A central Virginia homeowner got an unnerving surprise after finding a snake in their basement. Concerned that the snake could be venomous, the homeowner turned to the internet for answers.
Here's what to know
On Reddit's r/whatsthissnake forum, the homeowner shared a photo hoping that other users might be able to identify the species of snake.
"We were concerned he might have been venomous, so we had to put him in a container to take him outside," the original poster said. "Any ideas?"
One Redditor identified the snake as a central ratsnake, which is not dangerous to humans and even potentially beneficial.
"Harmless and great rodent exterminators," they said.
What can be done?
Venomous or not, people should always take care when interacting or sharing space with wildlife. When feeling threatened, animals can often lash out against perceived threats, which can include well-meaning humans.
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As for the OP, they said they placed the snake in a container before removing it from the basement and placing it outside. The homeowner made a potentially dangerous situation safer for both themselves and the animal.
As human development increasingly encroaches on wildlife habitats, human-animal interactions have increased. As a result, it is important for people to take steps to keep themselves, their families, their pets, and wildlife as safe as possible.
Where can I learn more?
Finding a snake in an unexpected spot can be startling, and plenty of homeowners have had the same experience.
• In Arkansas, snakes taking over a vacant home were surprisingly harmless.
• Across the Mid-South, small openings are letting more snakes slip inside homes.
• A homeowner was bitten after moving a porch snake to protect it.
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