Snakes are present in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the city’s unique environment provides suitable habitats for various species, both non-venomous and venomous. Understanding their presence and characteristics helps residents and visitors safely coexist with these reptiles.
Presence in the Urban Environment
New Orleans’ distinctive geography and climate create an inviting landscape for snake populations, even within its urban areas. The city’s extensive network of bayous, canals, and waterways, along with numerous parks and overgrown lots, offer prime habitats. These natural and semi-natural green spaces provide food sources, shelter, and corridors for snakes to move through the environment.
Residential areas adjacent to these green spaces can also see snake activity. Snakes are often drawn to areas with ample cover, such as dense vegetation, woodpiles, or debris. The warm, humid climate further supports a diverse reptile population throughout the year.
Identifying Common Species
New Orleans is home to a variety of snake species, including both non-venomous and venomous types. Recognizing distinguishing features is important for proper identification. Non-venomous snakes commonly encountered include the banded water snake, eastern garter snake, and rat snake.
Banded water snakes, often mistaken for cottonmouths, typically have dark bands on a greenish-gray, gray, or brown body and can reach up to four feet in length. They may flatten their heads and release a musky odor when threatened.
Eastern garter snakes are generally dark with three prominent stripes running down their bodies, often yellow or orange, and are relatively small, averaging 1.5 to 2 feet long. Rat snakes are long and slender, varying in color from black to pale brown with blotches, and are known to prey on rodents.
Among the venomous snakes, the cottonmouth (water moccasin) and copperhead are found in the region. Cottonmouths have stout bodies, typically olive to dark brown with dark crossbands, and a triangular head. When threatened, they often display the white interior of their mouth.
Copperheads are identifiable by their pale tan to brown body with darker, hourglass-shaped crossbands that resemble “Hershey’s Kisses” from the side. These pit vipers also possess vertical, elliptical pupils, unlike the round pupils found in most non-venomous snakes.
Safe Encounters and Coexistence
Encountering a snake can be startling, but maintaining a safe distance is the most appropriate response. Leave it alone and avoid approaching or provoking it. Most snakes will not attack unless threatened or cornered. Slowly backing away while keeping the snake in view allows it to retreat.
Should a snake bite occur, immediate medical attention is necessary. Do not attempt to catch or handle the snake, as this can lead to further bites.
Homeowners can reduce snake encounters with simple prevention measures. Regular yard maintenance, such as trimming overgrown grass and shrubs, eliminates potential hiding spots. Removing debris like woodpiles, leaf litter, and clutter makes an area less attractive to snakes and their prey.
Sealing cracks and gaps in foundations, around pipes, and under doors can prevent snakes from entering homes. If a snake is inside your home or repeatedly appears, contact a professional pest control or wildlife removal service for safe and humane removal.