While walking their dog in a wooded area of Fairfax County, Virginia, a local resident suddenly realized they weren’t alone.
Blended perfectly among the fallen leaves were three camouflaged snakes — so well hidden they were nearly impossible to see.
Worried for their own safety and their dog’s, the homeowner called in the experts at K2C Wildlife Encounters, LLC for help.
When the wildlife control team arrived, even they had trouble spotting the snakes at first.
“Look what happens when you have copperheads in leaves,” the team later wrote on Facebook. “Magic — they disappear!”
In case you’re still looking, here’s a bit of help:
After carefully scanning the ground, the rescuers located all three copperheads.
Using hooks and tongs, they gently moved the snakes into a bucket before relocating them to a safe spot away from people and pets.
Though copperheads are the most common snake to bite humans in the U.S., their venom is mild, and they’re an important part of the ecosystem. By feeding on rodents, they help keep populations balanced.
Unfortunately, snakes like these are often misunderstood.
“Snakes are often demonized in the media, and then myths and urban legends play on those created fears,” said Bonnie Keller, cofounder of K2C Wildlife Encounters. “In truth, snakes of any species are much less likely to harm you than a dog, horse, cat, or even a rabbit.”
Keller stresses that education is the best way to ease fear and protect both people and snakes.
“Learn about your local snakes so you understand what they look like and where they’re most likely to be found,” she explained. “Knowledge is power.”
Thanks to quick action, these three copperheads now have a chance to continue their lives in the wild — camouflaged just as nature intended.
You can keep up with K2C Wildlife Encounters, LLC on their website or by following them on Facebook.
