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The Pike County Extension Office hosted a venomous snake identification and general safety around venomous snake workshop at the Troy University Arboretum in June. The workshop was held at no cost for first responders and community members.

Participants were exposed to live specimens of the six venomous snakes in Alabama. Five of these species are in the pit viper group including the cottonmouth, copperhead, timber rattlesnake, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and the pygmy rattlesnake. The sixth venomous snake, in a group by itself, is the coral snake.

Workshop participants responded, with some doubt, when they were “reminded” that snakes are more afraid of them than they are of snakes.

Jackie Megginson was one participant who has no doubt that snakes are more afraid of her than she is of them. 
“I have always been around snakes so I’m not really afraid of them but I have a lot of respect for them,” Megginson said. “I’m careful when I’m walking in ‘snaky’ areas and because the snakes were there first. I’m intruding on them.”

Abby Peters, Pike County Extension coordinator, said the workshop was well attended and those in attendance were very appreciative of the opportunity to learn more about venomous snakes, not just in Pike County, but throughout South Alabama.