Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — Alabama Snake Removers is already getting phone calls for snake removals as warmer temperatures arrive. Co-founder Frankie Ferguson said snakes become more active in the spring, looking for food and a mate. As residents begin yard work this year, he said it is important to pay attention to outbuildings and sheds and any debris that snakes could be using for a habitat. Because small animals attract snakes, Ferguson said it is important to deter vermin and bird nests.

After being bitten by a cottonmouth last year, Ferguson said he wants to dispel common snake myths.

Snakes don’t chase people

In Alabama, Ferguson says a lot of people are under the impression that snakes chase people. However, he said as long as they are not disturbed, they will not chase.

“A lot of folklore and people will tell you that they've had either black racers or cottonmouths come after them,” said Ferguson. “They will never come after you. If you grab it, it'll bite you, but they will never chase you. They will always run from you. They just want to be left alone.”

Ferguson said snakes are defensive and there is a difference between “defensive” and “aggressive.”

Eye/head shape doesn’t always determine if a snake is venomous

Venomous snakes often have cat-like pupils. However, Ferguson said you can’t always rely on the eyes.

“For example, with rattlesnakes, their pupils actually get big and can even be round,” Ferguson said. “So, you can't just say, ‘It's got cat eyes, that's venomous.”

Ferguson said light can also change the shape of a snake’s pupils.

The head of many venomous snakes are flat. However, non-venomous snakes, such as water snakes, have the ability to flatten their heads to look triangular like a cottonmouth.

“Now it is true that our pit vipers do have a triangular-shaped head, but other snakes can mimic that, like your hognose snake and your water snakes,” Ferguson explained.

Venomous snakes can swim, bite underwater

One of the most common myths Ferguson has heard is that if a snake is swimming on top of the water, it’s venomous. He said even cottonmouths can go under water and he knows from personal experience.

“I’ve grabbed them at night with tongs and they're biting the tongs under the water, so they can bite under water and cottonmouths can swim underwater,” he said. “And water snakes can swim. If you really know snakes, you know the difference if you see them swimming because the cottonmouth’s body, when it's on top of the water, its whole body's just floating, where when a water snake is swimming on top of water, its body's under the water.”

Other myths

Ferguson said snakes are not evil, slimy and they cannot hypnotize you. Other myths he said are untrue are that copperheads are the most dangerous snake and that all colorful snakes are venomous.

Ferguson has been bitten by a venomous snake twice in 15 years. However, he said he has never been bitten while removing a snake. After being bitten in 2025, he was able to fully recover.

While he hopes no one gets bitten this spring, he said it is important to stay alert.

“Snakes are going to be out and active, so you have got to learn how to live with them instead of being afraid of them,” Ferguson added. “There's nothing to be afraid of.”

Gulf Shores News has referenced several animal removal companies over the years. You can learn more at Alabama's Snake Removers Facebook Page, or by visiting Wildlife Solutions. GSN suggest letting professionals manage pest problems.