The Madill Record
Ophidiophobia is a term many people may not know but suffer from. It is the overwhelming fear of snakes. Some people are just simply scared of snakes without suffering from the actual phobia.
This is the time of year snake haters probably hate the most. It’s baby copperhead season.
The scary part of this particular season is there is not one specific place that one must keep an eye out. Baby copperheads can be found pretty much anywhere, in rocks, debris, brush, wooded areas and old farmhouses.
The main issue is the size of the babies, Robert Bourne fo the Bryan County OSU Extension Center pointed out.
'They're really so small, it's hard to see them; that's why we get worried about this season,' Bourned said in a KTen interview. “They usually come out in spring and fall. Either time they can be dangerous for us to humans.'
The other danger is the baby serpent will most likely not be traveling alone. However, Bourne said there are a few tell-tale signs when they are near.
'They don't make the rattling sound a rattlesnake would do, but they do in the leaves. They will make a rustling sound if you get too close,' Bourne said.
Deer hunters should be aware of these baby copperheads and wear the proper gear while hunting to stay safe.
'Make sure you have leather boots that are midshin length; that's going to protect you,' Matt Gamble, senior manager for Choctaw Nation Wildlife Conservation said. 'If you go full out, you can get snake chaps or snake leggings that are snake-proof.'
If the safety precautions and safety gear do not work and somebody gets bitten, seek medical attention immediately. Also, be careful not to move too much and remain calm.
'The best thing for you is to remain calm,' Gamble told KTen. 'If you get really excited, it's going to increase your heart rate, which is going to spread the venom quicker in your body... so remain calm.'