oqrimant,,of, Aericitt ure 
po 9 of B ological Su vey otulture 
Washington, De Ceo Jamuary 1938 
a . ar aed 
FACTS ASOUT SHAKES 
Prepared in the Section of Food Habits, Division of Wildlife Rescarch 
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Suggestions for snake—proofing a 
PDUs TIS ce ef gr ote Gwe oe ee "4 
Suzgestions for eradicating 
undesirable shakes ss s = « = 4 
Use of poisonous gases « ati « & 8 
Other methods of eradication » -« o 
some vopular misconceptions. e 1 
Saves MyUOS » « » « « « «ea 2B 
General habits of snakes»... 4 
PPC ACH OTs « + « « © 6 6 8 et 
BHeceIMOUSIINS 6 ee 6 te 4 
Economic value of makes ... 5 
Precautionary measures against 
SE Se she) SC he ae ne ne ae 3 
me ie (se Oo “eo jan ae 
Few native animals are more imperfectly known, more persecuted, or 
more misrepresented then snakes. Contrary to popular belief most of them are 
neither obnoxious nor poisonous. Because of false teaching many persons 
have a grcat dread of snakes, and there are very few who care to have these 
reptiles around thcir homese Campers are often troubled with snakes that 
take refuge under bedding, wvoxes, or clothing, and nervous persons suffer 
severe shocks from discovering snakes in unexpected places. Constant worry, 
however, from fear tnat there will be a repetition of such unpleasant experi- 
ences can be avoided by taking necessary precautions. In most cases snekes 
can be prevented from enterins places where they are not wanted. 
Traditions handed down vy Indians and superstitions traceable to negro 
slaves Quring the carly settlement of this country have credited certain orna- 
mental plants with remarkable attributes as snake repellents. The odor or 
emanations from the tree and from its dead leaves on the ground have been held 
to make the mountain ash (Sorbus americana) obnoxious to snakes. In the 
ee ee ee ee 
Imis leaflet has been compiled from dependable sources for the infor- 
mavion of correspondents and otherse In another mimeogrenhed leaflet (BS-70) 
Similarly compiled, is given reliable information regerdinge "Poisonous Snakes 
of the United States." Copies will be furmished by the Biological Survey on 
requeste 
