Preventing Encounters between Children and Snakes

Steve A. Johnson and Martin B. Main

Release Date: 4/7/2020

Reviewed At: 12/17/2025

DOI: 10.32473/edis-uw227-2005

Natural Resources

Abstract

The most effective way to prevent a child from being bitten by a venomous snake at school or elsewhere is to prevent them from interacting with a snake. We provide measures that can be taken by schools to discourage snakes from coming onto school property and we provide a short educational program that teachers can give to students. This document is WEC 201, one of a 4-part series of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation entitled Dealing with Venomous Snakes in Florida School Yards, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date September 2005.

About this Publication

This document is WEC 201, one of a 4-part series of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation entitled Dealing with Venomous Snakes in Florida School Yards, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date September 2005. Revised March 2009, June 2012, February 2016, and February 2020. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. A CD/DVD set that includes PowerPoint presentations (with speaking notes) and other information on venomous snake safety is available from the UF/IFAS Extension Bookstore ( http://www.ifasbooks.ufl.edu). For additional information, visit Dr. Johnson's website at http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu.

About the Authors

Steve A. Johnson, associate professor and Extension specialist, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; and Martin B. Main, professor and Extension specialist, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.