Encountering a snake in a yard or garden can be startling, but most species commonly found in North America, such as garter snakes or brown snakes, are non-venomous and harmless. These reptiles contribute to a healthy ecosystem by controlling populations of insects and rodents, making their removal a matter of humane relocation rather than eradication. The process of safely moving a garden snake relies on proper identification, safe handling techniques, and a thoughtful release strategy. This guide focuses on safe, humane methods for temporarily capturing and moving these garden visitors.
Essential Safety: Identifying Your Garden Snake
Before attempting any capture, it is important to determine if the snake is non-venomous or one of the potentially dangerous species found in your region. Common non-venomous snakes often feature rounded pupils and a head that is only slightly wider than their neck, giving it a rounded appearance. Species like the Ring-Necked Snake or the Garter Snake fit this profile.
In contrast, most venomous snakes in the U.S. belong to the pit viper family, which includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. Pit vipers typically have a distinct triangular head shape, noticeable heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils, and pupils that appear as vertical slits. However, some non-venomous snakes can flatten their heads to mimic this shape, and the venomous coral snake has rounded pupils, meaning no single feature is a universal identifier.
If you cannot identify the snake with certainty, or if it exhibits the features of a venomous species, assume it is dangerous and maintain a distance of at least six feet. Attempting to approach or capture an unidentified snake is highly discouraged, as most snake bites occur when people try to handle or kill the animal. In such cases, immediately call local animal control or a professional wildlife removal service for safe handling and relocation.
Step-by-Step Humane Capture Methods
Once you have confirmed the snake is non-venomous, the goal is to secure it without causing injury or undue stress. This can be achieved through physical capture or passive trapping. Always wear thick work gloves, even with harmless species, as any snake may bite if it feels threatened. A bite from a non-venomous snake is minor but should still be cleaned thoroughly to prevent infection.
Physical Capture
For a snake that is visible and accessible in an open area, the bucket and broom method provides a gentle means of containment. You will need a long-handled tool, such as a broom or rake, and a deep container like a plastic trash can or a five-gallon bucket with a secure lid. Gently position the opening of the bucket on its side near the snake’s tail, creating a dark, inviting space for it to enter.
Use the broom or rake to softly guide or nudge the snake from behind toward the container opening. Snakes are often motivated to move into the dark space for cover, and a slight push on the tail end is usually sufficient to encourage movement. Once the snake is fully inside, quickly and carefully upright the bucket and secure the lid.
Passive Trapping
If the snake is hidden in a difficult-to-reach location, such as under a shed or in a woodpile, passive trapping can be employed. One technique involves placing a bucket or specialized live trap near the last known sighting, often baited with a scent attractive to the snake’s prey. These traps are designed to allow entry but prevent the snake from exiting once inside.
Another option is the use of commercial glue traps, but these must be handled with caution to ensure humane removal. If a snake becomes stuck, the adhesive can cause injury to its scales, so the trap should be covered with vegetable oil before the snake is released. The oil neutralizes the stickiness, allowing the snake to slide free without harm once it is safely in the release location. Never leave a snake on a glue trap for an extended period, as this causes significant stress.
Safe Release and Long-Term Prevention
Once the snake is secured in a container, transport it quickly and calmly to a suitable release site to minimize stress. The ideal location should be a natural, wooded, or brushy area that is at least a quarter to a half-mile away from the capture point. Releasing the snake too close risks its immediate return, but moving it too far away can decrease its chance of survival in unfamiliar territory.
The release site should offer natural cover, such as rocks, logs, or dense vegetation, and be similar in habitat to where the snake was found. Gently tip the container on its side and retreat to a safe distance, allowing the snake to exit the container at its own pace. This minimizes the snake’s stress and reduces the chance of a defensive strike.
To discourage future visits, modify your garden environment to make it less appealing to snakes and their prey. Snakes seek shelter, so remove common hiding spots like piles of wood, rock piles, or accumulated yard debris and keep grass mowed short. Trimming low-hanging shrubs and avoiding dense ground covers reduces the cool, protected areas where snakes like to rest.
Controlling the snake’s food source is an equally effective long-term strategy. This involves managing rodent and insect populations by:
- Securing garbage bins.
- Storing pet food in airtight containers.
- Avoiding bird feeders that scatter seed which attracts rodents.
By removing the primary reasons for a snake to enter your garden—food and shelter—you can significantly reduce the likelihood of future encounters.