Dozens of first responders gained valuable, lifesaving skills during Alabama Cooperative Extension System venomous snake trainings. These educational events ensure that those who are likely to respond to snake calls are prepared to identify snake species, safely handle them and react appropriately. Alabama Extension Wildlife Specialist Wesley Anderson said that fear and fascination of snakes make these workshops a tremendous success.
According to Anderson, throughout human history, relationships with snakes have been polarizing.
“Human-snake conflicts have existed for millennia,” Anderson said. “Snakes seem to capture the public’s imagination through a combination of fear and fascination. At the same time, many people are beginning to recognize their ecological importance and requests for snake relocation (rather than extermination) have become increasingly common.”