Latest news with #venomous
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Louisiana lakes with the highest snake populations according to WorldAtlas. What to know
Louisiana is home to approximately 48 species of snakes, and seven of those species are venomous. Louisiana also is home to a diverse array of water bodies, including rivers, bayous, lakes, bays, sounds and the Gulf of America, formerly the Gulf of Mexico. Within these bodies of water, a variety of Louisiana's snake species can be found, and some waters are more infested than others. The four most snake infested lakes in Louisiana according to WorldAtlas In Louisiana lakes, the most common non-venomous snakes that are found include the banded water snake, the diamond back water snake and the common garter snake. Conversely, the most common venomous snakes found in Louisiana lakes include cottonmouths, also referred to as water moccasins, and copperheads. Lake Pontchartrain Lake Pontchartrain is considered to be the No. 1 most snake infested lake in Louisiana, according to WorldAtlas. The body of water encompasses approximately 630 square miles, and has multiple bayous and rivers flowing into it. The mostly freshwater lake is inhabited by a variety of snakes, including the ball python, brahminy blind snake, pygmy rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, glossy swamp snake, eastern copperhead, gray rat snake, western rat snake, scarlet snake and mud snake. Lake Maurepas Lake Maurepas is another large, snake-filled lake in Louisiana. The remote lake spans more than 15,000 acres and is home to over 18 different species of snake. A few of these snake types include the ball python, gray rat snake, glossy swamp snake and mud snake. Calcasieu Lake Calcasieu Lake sits on the Louisiana-Texas border and is located on the Chenier Coastal Plain. This lake has a natural surrounding, with a variety of wildlife thriving within its marsh habitat. Nearly 26 species of snake inhabit Calcasieu Lake, some include the eastern copperhead, timber rattlesnake, northern cottonmouth, Texas coral snake and glossy swamp snake. Lake Claiborne Lake Claiborne is a man-made lake that covers approximately 6,400 acres. This lake is home to approximately 26 different types of snakes, including Graham's crayfish snake, diamondback water snake, rough earth snake, flat-headed snake, Texas coral snake and the pygmy rattlesnake. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Which Louisiana lakes have the most snakes? Snake infested lakes here Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Top 5 stories from the Shreveport Times this week: Louisiana snakes, rodents on traps at restaurants
It has been a busy week in the news cycle for the Shreveport-Bossier area. If you need a refresher on what you missed, here are the top five stories from the Shreveport Times. Louisiana lakes with the highest snake populations according to WorldAtlas Louisiana is home to approximately 48 species of snakes, and seven of those species are venomous. In Louisiana lakes, the most common non-venomous snakes that are found include the banded water snake, the diamond back water snake and the common garter snake. Conversely, the most common venomous snakes found in Louisiana lakes include cottonmouths, also referred to as water moccasins, and copperheads. Rodents on traps, dirty surfaces | Top Caddo Parish restaurant inspections June 22-28 The Times obtained food safety inspection information for the week of June 22-28, 2025, from the Louisiana Department of Health. The top three addresses with the most critical violations in Caddo Parish are listed, along with an explanation of the finding. All restaurants on the list had at least three critical violations. When will it cool down in Louisiana? Fall 2025 weather forecast by Old Farmer's Almanac This year, fall will officially begin on Monday, Sept. 22, which marks the arrival of the vernal equinox. For the deep South, which includes Louisiana, September and October are predicted to be warmer than normal, with below-normal rainfall in the north and near-normal amounts in the South, says The Old Farmer's Almanac. Study reveals the most stolen vehicle in each state. Find out Louisiana's most stolen car More than 850,000 vehicles were stolen in the United States, with an average of one car being stolen every 37 seconds, in 2024 alone. The most stolen car in Louisiana is a Hyundai Elantra, with approximately 360 vehicles stolen, according to the 2024 auto-theft insurance claims filed with the National Insurance Crime Bureau. In Louisiana, Bill Cassidy raises mountain of cash to defend seat against MAGA Republicans Louisiana incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy continues to build a mountain of money to defend his seat in 2026 against at least two GOP opponents who question his MAGA credentials. Cassidy's campaign announced Louisiana's senior senator will report $9 million cash on hand after raising $2.1 million more in the second quarter. More: Top 5 stories from the Shreveport Times this week: Friendliest small town, cotton in Louisiana Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Top 5 stories from the Shreveport Times this week: Louisiana snakes, rodents on traps at restaurants Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Don't reach under that log! See which venomous snakes to look out for in Illinois
Summer vacation typically involves plans of camping, hiking, tubing and more, meaning some Illinois residents may come face-to-face with creatures they're not used to – such as snakes. Though your instinct may be to fear them, very few of the state's native species are harmful, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. You just need to know how to correctly interact with and identify them while in their home territory. Here's a look at what snakes you might find around Illinois and what to do if you spot them. Are there venomous snakes in Illinois? Only four of Illinois' 40 native snake species are venomous, according to the IDNR. Here's what to look out for: Found throughout southern Illinois. Average length of 24 to 36 inches with a flattened head wider than its neck and ridged scales. The snake has a copper-red head, red-brown or yellow-brown body and hour-glass markings across the back when viewed from above. They prefer forests and river bluffs. Found mostly in southern and western regions of Illinois. Average length of 36-60 inches in length. A flat head much wider than the neck with a rattle at the tip of its tail and ridged scales. The body is gray, yellow or green-white with a series of dark bands along the back and a rust-colored stripe in the middle of the back. A dark bar may be found between the eye and jaw. Northern Cottonmouth: Found in swamps and wetlands in the southern tip of Illinois. Averages 30-42 inches in length with a flat head much wider than its neck. Ridged scales with plain black or brown coloring and little evidence of a pattern. Some have dim crossbands across the back. Found in prairie wetlands and river flood plains in the Chicago metro area, as well as parts of central Illinois. Average length of 18-30 inches with flat head much wider than its neck and ridged scales. The snake has a rattle at the tip of its tail, a row of dark blotches down its back and three rows of dark spots on the sides. The body is gray. Non-venomous snake species found in Illinois Here's a list of the remaining nonvenomous snake species found in Illinois: Scarletsnake North American Racer Coachwhip Prairie Kingsnake Eastern Kingsnake Milksnake Rough Greensnake Smooth Greensnake Great Plains Ratsnake Western Foxsnake Gray Ratsnake Eastern Foxsnake Gophersnake Flat-Headed Snake Common Wormsnake Western Wormsnake Ring-Necked Snake Red-Bellied Mudsnake Western Hog-Nosed Snake Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake Kirtland's Snake Mississippi Green Watersnake Plain-Bellied Watersnake Southern Watersnake Diamond-Backed Watersnake Common Watersnake Graham's Crayfish Snake Queensnake DeKay's Brownsnake Red-Bellied Snake Western Ribbonsnake Plains Gartersnake Eastern Ribbonsnake Common Gartersnake Lined Snake Smooth Earthsnake What to do if you see a snake The Illinois Poison Center and IDNR recommend avoiding the following actions if you find yourself in areas with snakes: Intentionally handling a snake Attempting to trap or feed a wild snake Touching a snake that appears dead (freshly killed snakes can bite) Stepping on a snake in the wild Reaching under or stepping over rocks or logs (look around before sitting) The two organizations recommend wearing leather boots in areas known to house venomous snakes. What to do if a snake bites you The IPC recommends the following actions if you are bitten by a snake: Immobilize the affected limb. Remove any jewelry such as rings, bracelets and watches. Do not apply ice or heat, tight tourniquet, electric shocks, conduct oral suctioning or make incisions to the bite area. Go to the nearest emergency department immediately. You can speak to toxicology experts through the IPC's helpline 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222. Snakebite symptoms Here's a list of venomous snakebite symptoms, according to the IPC: Rapid progressive swelling Severe pain Redness on skin Broken blood vessel or bruised appearance Large blisters Bleeding Tissue ulceration Tingling of the mouth, hands and feet Drop in blood pressure or shock Respiratory failure Weakness and sweating Nausea and vomiting Are venomous snake bites deadly? Venomous snake bites are usually not deadly, but are painful and can cause swelling, nausea and the risk of infection, according to the IDNR. If you are bitten, go to a hospital for treatment immediately. Jenny Porter Tilley contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Does Illinois have venomous snakes? What to do if you see one, get bit Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
World Snake Day: Many, sometimes poisonous, snakes call Pennsylvania home
(WHTM) — More than 21 snake species live in Pennsylvania, three of which are considered poisonous. World Snake Day, July 16, serves as an important reminder that the state's scaliest residents have just as much right to the land as anyone else. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'Each species has evolved to occupy a specific niche in our natural environment,' said Andrew Shiels, former deputy director for the PA Fish and Boat Commission, in an informational campaign for snakes. 'Although they do indeed provide tangible benefits to man, they are worthy of respect and protection, because they are wild animals and a part of the natural heritage of Pennsylvania.' Northern Copperhead Found in all except for the state's most northern counties, this snake is the most prolific venomous snake in PA, according to the PA Fish and Boat Commission. It's named for its tan and brown color. The snake can be found in wooded areas and rocky features near streams, but it also enjoys abandoned foundation, rock walls and rocky hillsides. Its venom is a hemotoxin, but with a trace of neurotoxin, so it primarily affects the bloodstream. The bite is painful, the commission said, but it rarely poses any threat to life with prompt medical attention. Like all venomous snakes in the state, it tries to avoid trouble and only attacks when it feels threatened. Timber Rattlesnake This is the largest of PA's venomous snakes, though not the largest snake in the state. It inhabits the mountainous regions. It has two color phases: black and the less common yellow. Both have dark bands on the backs of the snakes, a head with no markings and a dark tail. It's known for its distinct rattle, an organ of loosely attached, hollow horny segments attached to its tail, which produces an unmistakable buzzing sound. However, it does not always rattle before striking. Like other vipers, it has enough venom to kill a human. But bites are rare, as it just wants to be left alone and is not aggressive. The commission said a defensive strike does not always include a release of venom. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake This snake calls only a few counties in western PA home: Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Clarion, Armstrong, Butler, Beaver and Lawrence. It is an endangered species with dwindling numbers. Because of this, it is illegal to possess, kill or sell this snake. Part of the pygmy rattlesnake family, it resides in wetlands. Some call it the 'swamp rattler.' 21 Midstate locations record high levels Its colors are brownish gray to almost black on its back and sides with a row of rounded, dark-brown or black blotches running down the middle of the back. Once again, this is a timid snake that prefers to avoid detection. Its venom is highly toxic, but the snake's small fangs rarely cause any deaths. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
France 24
14-07-2025
- France 24
Creepy find: German customs net tarantulas in cookie shipment
The seven-kilogramme (15-pound) shipment from Vietnam was intercepted at Cologne-Bonn airport and emitted a strange smell when opened, customs officials said. Inside the found the venomous arachnids packed into plastic tubes and said that many had not survived the flight, with the remaining spiders placed into professional care. "This unusual discovery left even the most experienced officers speechless," customs spokesman Jens Ahland said. It was "deeply troubling what some people do to animals purely for profit", he added. A criminal investigation has been launched into the package's intended recipient for failing to pay duties and make the proper declarations. In 2020, customs officers at the same airport found 16 live and 10 dead reptiles smuggled inside toys, sweets and dolls from Mexico.
