How To Catch a Snake Safely (With Pictures)

Finding a snake in your yard, garage, or home can be startling, but most snakes are harmless and just passing through. Knowing how to safely catch and relocate a snake can save both you and the snake from a bad situation. Here is a step by step guide to handling this safely.

First: Identify Whether It Is Venomous

Before attempting to catch any snake, you need to determine whether it is venomous. If you are unsure, do not attempt to catch it. In North America, the four types of venomous snakes are rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasins), and coral snakes. If you suspect the snake is venomous, keep your distance and call animal control or a professional snake removal service.

General traits that may indicate a venomous pit viper (rattlesnake, copperhead, cottonmouth) include a triangular shaped head, vertical (cat like) pupils, heat sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils, and a thick, heavy body. However, some non venomous snakes can flatten their heads to mimic this triangular shape when threatened, so these are not foolproof identification methods.

When in doubt, leave the snake alone and call a professional. No property concern is worth a venomous snake bite.

Equipment You Will Need

If you have confirmed the snake is non venomous and want to relocate it yourself, gather these supplies before approaching.

A bucket or container with a lid: A 5 gallon bucket with a secure lid works well for most small to medium snakes. Drill a few small air holes in the lid.

A broom or long stick: This lets you guide the snake into the bucket from a safe distance. You can also use a snake hook if you have one.

Heavy gloves (optional): Leather work gloves offer some protection if the snake bites, though they can make it harder to grip the snake gently. A non venomous snake bite from a garden snake is harmless but can be startling.

How to Catch a Non Venomous Snake

Method 1: The bucket method. Place the bucket on its side near the snake. Use a broom or stick to gently guide the snake toward and into the bucket. Once the snake is inside, carefully tip the bucket upright and secure the lid. This is the safest and easiest method for most situations.

Method 2: The towel method. If the snake is in an enclosed area like a garage or shed, gently place a towel or pillowcase over it. Most snakes will calm down when covered. Carefully scoop the snake up inside the towel and transfer it to a bucket or carry it directly to a release location.

Method 3: Hand catching. If you are comfortable handling snakes and have confirmed it is non venomous, you can pick it up by hand. Approach slowly, gently grasp the snake behind the middle of its body (not by the head or tail), and support its weight with both hands. Move calmly and smoothly. Sudden movements will scare the snake and make it more likely to bite.

Where to Release the Snake

Once you have caught the snake, release it in a suitable habitat nearby. A wooded area, field, or area near a water source (for water snakes) is ideal. Release the snake at least a few hundred yards from your home if you do not want it to come back. Set the container on its side and let the snake leave on its own. Do not throw or drop the snake, as this can injure it.

How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard

If you would rather not deal with snakes on your property at all, there are some steps you can take to make your yard less attractive to them. Remove debris piles, rock stacks, and tall grass where snakes like to hide. Seal gaps under doors, around foundations, and in garage door seals. Control rodent populations since mice and rats attract snakes looking for food. Keep bird feeders away from the house because spilled seed attracts rodents, which attract snakes.

Remember that most snakes are beneficial animals that eat rodents, insects, and other pests. A snake in your yard is usually doing you a favor by keeping the local rodent population in check. If you can tolerate their presence, leaving them alone is often the best approach. For more about snakes, explore our guide to popular pet snake breeds.