MDWFP: Leave snakes alone

Special to The Canton News 

As Mississippians head outdoors this summer, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks reminds all to look out for snakes.

Most people are uncomfortable around snakes and may be uncertain of their ability to identify them. Whenever possible, LEAVE SNAKES ALONE. This may sound like sensible advice, however, approximately 75 percent of all bites by venomous snakes occur when an individual tries to kill or otherwise harass the snake.

More than 85 percent of all snakebites are by nonvenomous species. Of all bites by venomous snakes, 25-50 percent do not inject any venom. More importantly, mortality is less than one percent for physician-treated venomous snakebites in the United States.

Visit www.mdwfp.com for more information.