ROMNEY, WV (WOAY) – As West Virginians have begun to venture outside more often over the past couple of weeks, their exposure to snakes has increased.
Despite the initial fear that some might feel at first glance, snakes have proven to be more beneficial than harmful to the environment.
“Snakes are a critical part of a healthy ecosystem,” said West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Amphibian and Reptile Leader Kevin Oxenrider. “And, you, know we depend on snakes to help with us pest control, um, rodent control, um insect control. Um, and so I guess the first thing is that people should not view a snake as being this immediate threat. Because they’re not.”
Contrary to some reports, the number of snakes throughout the state is not increasing.
