Snake in my back yard, what should I do?

I am terrified by your question. You know I was of the opinion that snakes are not found in USA as it is a cold country. However Georgia is not so cold. You should call 911.

That baby snake might be big now. So that you won't be afraid anymore, look for the snake and kill it. As long as you know that there is snake somewhere there, your fear will be there. Our house is surrounded by bamboo trees and other trees, grasses, etc. and sometimes snakes come into our house. I'm so afraid by I have no other alternative but to face them and kill them if I can. Those I was not able to kill are surely still there may be waiting for me for them to bite. There are big stones and holes so I'm so afraid. I have cats and one time one of the cats brought home a snake still alive. My twin granddaughters saw baby snakes three times already even when they were still cannot talk except assssh and pointing to the snake so I got hold of something and killed it.

Clean your backyard but be careful because if you don't clean that, that might become their dwelling place and it's more difficult to kill them if they become many. Then burn whichever possible place for them to stay. You'd always be afraid if you do not kill them as early as possible.

I can relate to your dilemma quite well!! I don't like snakes of any kind. I would wear thick gloves for one thing, and wear tennis shoes or boots. Especially when cleaning up after winter, leaves, branches, etc. My husband said snakes hibernate (usually) during the cold weather, so this means that they are coming out of hibernation during spring. I think personally that they are coming out just for me b/c they know they scare me so bad, but anyway. Keep a shovel or hoe close by in case one shows up, you can kill it. I don't know enough about them to know a good from a bad one. I would first take a rake or something and poke around the bushes and make some noise so they will move away from where you are wanting to clean. Don't let them keep you from doing what you love. I love a clean neat yard, but I have to admit, a snake will keep me inside too. Good luck.

If yo live in a place with alot of poisonous snakes then I'd worry a little..but even those usually won't bite you unless they feel threatened. Usually snakes try to slither away from you. Most of the non-poisonous ones (which is probaly what the ones in your back yard are) are pretty shy animals. Another thing is snakes are very beneficial for both your house and your yard. If they're living there the chances are so are a lot of mice or insects..since most of the more common one's diets consist of those things. You'd rather not see any of them in your house or yard, right? So it's usually best to leave them be and not try to scare 'em away. I don't know how you can overcome your fear. Perhaps you could go to a petshop and ask one of the people there if they'll help you. They could get out one of their snakes and you could pet it..and maybe seeing they're not so bad creatures you wouldnt be afraid of them anymore..in any case, good luck.

Snakes won't bother you unless you persist on bothering them. I have numerous snake dens in my yard and when they come out of hibernation in the spring, it's like walking through a sea of slithering sticks. They have never bothered me nor I them. They prefer to move away from where you are walking so they don't get stepped on. Just becareful when you are picking up sticks, logs, etc. I always kick the item I'm about to move to let anything under it have a chance to move out of the way. Never got bit by a snake in the 6yrs we have lived here although I'm the only one in my family that will literally walk through them when they first wake up in the spring and are sunbathing.

Most likely, it is just a garter snake. What did the snake look like? I wouldn't be too concerned. A majority of snakes are not poisonous. I would try to find a picture of the snake so that you can know what type it is. There is no need to fear your backyard just because of a little snake! Just be cautious and make sure that you watch where you put your hands. Snakes will not attack, for the most part, unless they are seriously, seriously threatened. They are not stupid, and know that you are bigger than them and can kill them. Just keep an eye out, and just don't grab him! Snakes are all over, and we don't see them very often. Please, continue enjoying your backyard!

I really don't like snakes either, so I can't tell you how to get over your fears. I have a tendency of letting out a loud squeal & running the other way myself lol. The squeal usually lets the hubby know I've spotted a snake or mouse when we go camping. The in laws trailer is rather old and when it's not in use, it's usually housing mice or snakes but rarely both at the same time.;D A friend suggested putting out mothballs around the trailer to at least keep the snakes out. We did it, and rarely see the snakes inside anymore. LOL, a few years ago, my daughter spotted a baby snake (barely bigger than a twig) on our sidewalk & called me at work to find out what to do. I reminded her of the mothball trick and told her I had a new box of them in the garage. I'll never forget the site of my front walkway when I came home that night. She had sprinkled the WHOLE box along the path & had little piles on either side of the front door. roflol We never did see that or any other snake after that!

Quatelmon is correct. Most likely the little snake was non-poisonous. It definately is more scared of you and will run unless cornered and forced to defend itself. You really shouldn't be afraid. I would just assure that there is no brush lying around for a snake to hide. Perhaps adopt a kitty. Cats will assure there are no snakes around. Most of all, get out there and enjoy your yard! Good luck.