Warmer temperatures encourage Indiana’s snakes, lizards, and turtles to become active.
You’re more likely to spot a gartersnake basking in your garden or a turtle crossing the road this time of year.
While some Hoosiers may not be thrilled to find a snake close to home, keep in mind that only four of Indiana’s 32 snake species are venomous, and only one of those four is common – the Northern copperhead.
All of Indiana’s venomous snakes are not aggressive unless provoked. DNR says if you find a snake and are unsure of what it is, leave it be and give it space. Your odds of getting bitten greatly increase if you try to handle it.
Many of Indiana’s turtles are also nesting this time of year, which means turtles you encounter crossing roads are likely females. DNR says you can support wild populations by assisting these turtles with crossing the road when it’s safe to do so. They add that you will need to move the turtle to the side of the road it was heading towards; otherwise, it will likely just cross back.
